10 dead, 29 missing in Sokoto boat mishap

Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning after a devastating boat accident claimed the lives of 10 people and left 29 others unaccounted for.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, around noon in Kojiyo Ward of Goronyo Local Government Area.

According to the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the ill-fated boat was carrying about 45 passengers when it capsized midway through its journey. The Goronyo SEMA Desk Officer confirmed the heartbreaking development, describing it as a huge loss to the victims’ families and the entire state.

At the time of filing this report, six passengers had been rescued alive, while desperate search and rescue operations continued for the remaining 29 still unaccounted for.

“We can confirm that 10 lives have been lost so far. Six survivors are receiving medical attention, and our search teams are working tirelessly to locate those still missing,” the official said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that overloading may have caused the accident—an all-too-common factor in similar tragedies across Sokoto’s riverine communities. Authorities have repeatedly warned boat operators against exceeding capacity, but enforcement remains a major challenge.

In reaction, the Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with SEMA and other emergency agencies, has mobilized rescue and support teams to the area. The Special Adviser to the Governor on SEMA, Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, said the state was committed to both rescue efforts and long-term preventive measures.

“The State Government sympathizes deeply with the bereaved families. We urge our communities to prioritize safety and strictly avoid overloading of boats. Protecting lives and property remains our utmost duty,” Bodinga stressed.

This latest mishap adds to the growing list of boat accidents in Sokoto and other northern states where waterways remain a major means of transportation

A government official, Shehu Tureta called for stricter enforcement of inland waterway regulations, improved safety awareness campaigns, and the provision of safer alternatives for rural dwellers.

SEMA reiterated its commitment to intensifying safety education in riverine communities while working closely with security and rescue agencies to minimize future disasters.

For now, rescue teams continue their frantic search for survivors, while grieving families await closure.