Deadly boat mishap hits Sokoto, many feared dead

A boat capsized in Shagari, Sokoto State, leaving many passengers feared dead. This marks the third river accident in the state within a month, raising urgent safety concerns

Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State was thrown into grief on Thursday as a boat capsized on the local river, leaving many passengers feared dead.

For residents who rely on waterways for daily transport, the accident is the latest in a worrying pattern—marking the third boat mishap in Sokoto within just one month.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the boat, crowded with passengers, overturned unexpectedly.

Many people were thrown into the river, struggling against the strong current, while others reportedly vanished beneath the water.

Families anxiously waited on the riverbanks, hoping for news of their loved ones, while rescue teams rushed to the scene.

Confirming the incident, Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said officials had been dispatched immediately for search and rescue.

He added that SEMA is coordinating closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to recover victims and assist any survivors.

Experts say that boat accidents have become a frequent problem in Sokoto due to several factors: the scarcity of motorized boats, lack of life jackets, and weak enforcement of safety standards.

For riverine communities, these risks are a daily reality, turning routine travel into a potentially life-threatening journey.

Residents have repeatedly called on authorities to address the recurring loss of lives on the state’s waterways.

Community leaders stress the urgent need for safer boats, strict compliance with safety rules, and adequate life-saving equipment for all passengers.

While rescue efforts continue, families and neighbors remain on edge, anxiously awaiting news of missing loved ones. The mood in Shagari is tense, with grief and worry visible on the faces of many.

The Sokoto State Government has indicated that an official statement will follow once emergency teams conclude rescue operations.

Meanwhile, residents are urging long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies from becoming routine, stressing that the safety of water transport cannot be ignored any longer.