By Agency Reports
At least 40 people are missing after a boat carrying more than 50 passengers to Goronyo Market capsized in Sokoto State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed yesterday.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said rescue teams were immediately deployed to the scene in collaboration with local authorities, divers, and other emergency responders.
“So far, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 remain unaccounted for,” Umar said, adding that search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
She assured families of the victims that NEMA is fully committed to saving lives, coordinating support, and providing timely updates.
The incident highlights the persistent dangers of waterway transportation in Nigeria’s riverine communities, where overloading, poor safety measures, and weak enforcement of regulations continue to cause avoidable tragedies.