Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Rinaye village in Shagari Local Government Area following a devastating boat accident that claimed the lives of seven people last Monday.
The tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying nine passengers capsized, resulting in the deaths of four children and three women. Only the boat captain and one other passenger survived the accident.
In a compassionate response, a delegation from the Sokoto State Government visited Rinaye on Wednesday to commiserate with the grieving families and offer immediate support.
The delegation donated four bags each of rice, millet, and maizeto the bereaved households, along with ₦4 million in cash assistance.
Presenting the relief items, the Commissioner for Agriculture and head of the delegation, Hon. Muhammad Tukur Alkali, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
He described the incident as heartbreaking, particularly given the number of women and children involved.
Alkali offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and comfort for their families, urging residents to view the incident as an act of God while hoping such disasters do not recur.
The Vice Chairman of Shagari Local Government, Mansur Muhammad Rafi, along with community leaders in Rinaye, expressed their gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his prompt and compassionate response.
Reacting from Saudi Arabia, where he is performing the Hajj pilgrimage, Governor Aliyu conveyed profound sadness over the incident.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives of residents in riverine areas.
“This sad event truly touches me. It is deeply concerning that we continue to lose lives in rural areas due to avoidable boat mishaps.”
“Our administration remains determined to ensure safer water transportation by providing well-equipped, motorized boats and life jackets,” the governor said.
Governor Aliyu also thanked the people of Sokoto for their continued support and prayers for his administration.
It is worth noting that following a similar tragedy in Dundaye village, Wamakko Local Government Area, in August 2024 which resulted in five fatalities the State Executive Council approved the purchase of motorized boats and life jackets to enhance safety in riverine communities.
The state government’s condolence delegation to Shagari included Hon. Muhammad Tukur Alkali, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, Commissioner for Finance, Aminu Liman, Special Adviser on SEMA, Mode Yawa Shagari – Special Adviser on Livestock Development
Others are Maryam Sulaiman – Special Adviser on Resident Communities, Nasara Lawal Gumi, Special Adviser on Poultry Development, and Faruku Ahmed Shuni, Special Adviser on Protocol Matters.
