Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State has been plunged into mourning following yet another tragic boat mishap that claimed several lives at Kojiyo Ward in Goronyo Local Government Area on Sunday evening.
The ill-fated wooden vessel, crammed with dozens of passengers attempting to cross the river, capsized midway, leaving death and despair in its wake.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of desperate cries for help before the boat was swallowed by the waves.
Survivors said the combination of overloading and the river’s strong currents made the accident unavoidable.
Community leader, Magani Balarabe, who narrowly survived, confirmed that many passengers drowned instantly, while others remain missing as local divers intensify rescue efforts.
Another survivor, Abubakar, described the tragedy as “a dark and bitter day for Kojiyo,” saying the grief was unbearable for the entire village.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the accident in a late-night statement, reporting several fatalities, while six passengers were rescued alive. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency Management, extended the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and assured of full support for rescue operations.
He disclosed that additional response teams have been deployed to work with local divers in the ongoing search.
Bodinga also warned against reckless overloading of boats, stressing that the tragedy could have been avoided if safety guidelines had been observed.
“Lives are too precious to be wasted due to negligence,” he said.
SEMA further pledged to launch intensified community safety campaigns across riverine settlements and work with traditional rulers to enforce inland waterways regulations.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Kojiyo remains heavy with grief as families wait helplessly by the riverside, clinging to fading hopes of finding their loved ones.
The wails of women and children pierce the air, a haunting reminder of yet another avoidable tragedy.
This latest mishap underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations, stricter enforcement, and investment in safer water transportation systems to end the recurring cycle of sorrow in Sokoto’s riverine communities.
