The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed that four persons have lost their lives while 41 others were successfully rescued in the aftermath of a tragic boat mishap that occurred in Goronyo, Sokoto State.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, made the disclosure during a press briefing after leading a joint assessment and response team to the affected communities.
She explained that the mission covered four villages—Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha—where a majority of the victims were said to have resided.
According to her, the visits were not only to commiserate with the grieving families but also to verify the number of survivors and those still unaccounted for.
“During the community engagement, we were able to confirm that 16 persons survived the accident.
“Unfortunately, the death toll rose to four following the recovery of another body earlier today,” she stated.
Mrs. Umar added that a funeral prayer was immediately held for the deceased in accordance with Islamic rites, after which the body was laid to rest in his community.
She further disclosed that the multi-agency search and rescue operations, which had been ongoing since the incident, had now been officially brought to an end.
“The operation was carried out with utmost diligence and professionalism, and we deeply appreciate the collective efforts of all the agencies and stakeholders who participated,” she remarked.
The NEMA boss paid glowing tribute to the rescue workers, local volunteers, and traditional leaders in the affected villages for their commitment, resilience, and cooperation throughout the operation.
She stressed that the tragedy was a painful reminder of the recurring risks associated with water transportation in parts of the country, particularly during the rainy season when rivers and dams are at high water levels.
“It will be recalled that the unfortunate accident occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, around the Kojiyo axis of the Goronyo Dam.
The ill-fated boat, which was said to be conveying dozens of passengers from surrounding communities, reportedly capsized due to overloading and turbulent water currents,” she explained.
She assured that NEMA, in partnership with SEMA and other critical stakeholders, would intensify community sensitization campaigns to enlighten residents on safety measures while using water transport.
She also called on boat operators to strictly adhere to safety regulations, avoid overloading, and ensure that passengers use life jackets.
Meanwhile, community leaders in the affected villages expressed their appreciation for the prompt intervention of NEMA and SEMA.
They also appealed to the government to provide safer alternatives to water transportation as well as improved emergency response infrastructure in riverine communities.
The Goronyo boat mishap adds to a string of similar incidents reported across Nigeria’s inland waterways in recent years, raising concerns about safety standards, enforcement of regulations, and the need for increased investment in rural transportation systems.