Another boat capsizes in Sokoto, many feared d£ad

A passenger boat accident has claimed several lives in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with many others feared missing after the vessel capsized on Thursday evening.

The incident, the third boat mishap in Sokoto within a month, has thrown riverine communities into mourning.

Confirming the tragedy, Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said rescue teams from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have been dispatched to the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported that the boat, loaded with passengers, overturned mid-journey, plunging all on board into the river. While the official death toll has yet to be confirmed, locals believe several people may have drowned.

Frequent boat accidents in the state have been blamed on poor safety standards, lack of life jackets, and the use of non-motorized boats, raising concerns about the safety of water transportation.

Residents are now urging the government to enforce safety regulations, provide modern boats, and ensure the availability of life-saving equipment to avert further tragedies.

Authorities are expected to issue a formal statement once rescue operations are concluded, but the mood across Shagari and nearby communities remains tense as families await news of their loved ones.