Sokoto State government has announced another tragic boat accident in Shagari Local Government Area, leaving many passengers feared missing.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu who announced the unfortunate incident on Friday to journalists, through his Special Adviser at the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Aminu Bodinga, said the incident happened on Thursday, when the boat capsized, throwing everyone on board into the river.
“We’ve dispatched officials to the scene, and they’re working with NEMA and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to rescue survivors and recover victims,” Bodinga said.
However, the exact number of casualties remains unknown, with locals fearing most passengers might not have survived.
This incident marks the third boat accident in the state within a short period.
SaharaReporters reported on August 24, that six people died and three others went missing, while 19 were rescued after a fatal boat accident in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area on August 22.
The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Sokoto, Mr. Bala Bello, who announced the incident said the incident was caused by negligence, canoe overloading, and safety rules violations.
SaharaReporters on August 13 reported that a boat mishap in Dundaye community, located in Wamakko Local Government Area of the state, reportedly claimed no fewer than four lives.
The incident was confirmed by the Head of the Sokoto Field Operation Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi.
In June 2025, seven people lost their lives in a canoe accident while traveling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Kambama ward of Shagari Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were said to be on a routine trip across the river when the canoe capsized, leading to the accident.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are ongoing, with SEMA, NEMA, and NIWA working together to locate missing passengers. “Our rescue teams are on the ground, working with local divers to account for every passenger. For now, we cannot give a definitive figure until operations are concluded,” Bodinga stated.
The recurring accidents have raised concerns about water safety in the region. Maritime experts attribute these incidents to poor safety practices, overloading, and lack of life jackets for passengers.
The Sokoto State government is expected to release a comprehensive statement once rescue and recovery efforts are concluded.
