A quiet Sunday turned tragic in Kojiyo Ward, Goronyo LGA, Sokoto State, as a passenger boat capsized mid-river.
The vessel was ferrying over 50 residents to Goronyo Market when it went under. Many are feared dead.
Eyewitnesses watched in horror. Some jumped in to help. Others stood helpless as the river swallowed lives.
One witness, Abubakar, said the boat sank suddenly. “Several lives were lost. Many are still missing,” he said, his voice heavy with grief.
NEMA Deploys Emergency Response Team
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident. Its Sokoto Operations Office swung into action.
Director General Zubaida Umar activated the agency’s response immediately after receiving the report.
“As at the time of this report, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing,” NEMA stated.
The agency is working with local divers, community leaders, and emergency responders to locate survivors.
Goronyo River, known for its unpredictable currents, has claimed lives before. But this scale of loss has shaken the region.
Community in Mourning, Families Await News
Families gathered at the riverbank, praying and waiting. Some clutched photos. Others stared into the water, hoping for a miracle.
Local authorities have called for calm. Rescue teams are combing the area, using boats and sonar equipment.
This tragedy raises questions about safety standards and the condition of boats used for daily transport.
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