46 Dead, 16 Missing as Boat Carrying 77 Capsizes in Sokoto

46 Dead, 16 Missing as Boat Carrying 77 Capsizes in Sokoto.

Gorau community in Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning after a boat carrying 77 passengers capsized, leaving at least 46 people dead and 16 others missing, while 15 passengers have so far been rescued alive.

At least 46 bodies have been recovered following the boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the state Police Command has confirmed.

The tragedy occurred on Thursday when the boat, reportedly carrying 77 men, women and children, capsized while conveying residents within the riverine community.

The latest casualty figures were disclosed by the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, who said rescue operations were still ongoing as emergency responders and local divers continued their search for the remaining passengers.

Rufai said 46 corpses had so far been recovered, while 15 people were rescued alive.

He added that 16 passengers remained unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase as search operations continue.

“46 corpses have so far been recovered, while 15 persons were rescued alive. The rescue team, comprising local divers, NEMA, SEMA and the Police, is still searching for the remaining 16 persons,” Rufai said.

According to the police spokesman, all 77 passengers were on board the boat when the incident occurred.

The rescue operation involves local divers, personnel of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and the police.

Families Await News

The disaster has plunged Gorau community into grief, with families anxiously waiting for information about relatives who were on board the ill-fated boat.

A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred on Thursday morning, adding that the actual number of casualties was initially difficult to establish.

The resident said only a few passengers were initially reported to have survived, while several bodies were recovered from the water.

“Only a few people were initially reported rescued, while several bodies were recovered from the water. Rescue efforts are ongoing as local divers and emergency responders continue searching for those still missing,” the resident said.

The resident appealed to the authorities to intensify the rescue operation, stressing that many families were still waiting anxiously for information about their loved ones.

Meanwhile, a senior NEMA official, who identified himself simply as Alhaji Ibrahim, confirmed that the agency had mobilised personnel to the affected community.

“Our officials are currently on their way to the community to join the rescue operation,” he said.

The immediate cause of the accident had not been established as of the time of filing this report.

ADC Candidate Reacts

Reacting to the tragedy, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Gorau.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya said he was particularly saddened by reports that some of the passengers were children between the ages of 10 and 15 who were travelling alongside farmers and labourers.

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of precious lives in Gorau. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones and those whose relatives are still missing,” he said.

Dan’iya commended local divers and residents who joined the rescue operation but urged the Sokoto State Government and relevant emergency agencies to deploy additional personnel, medical teams and rescue equipment to the community.

He also called for the proper identification and documentation of the victims to ensure that affected families receive the necessary support.

Call for Safer Water Transport

The ADC candidate said the tragedy had once again exposed the dangers faced by farming communities that depend on waterways for transportation.

According to him, residents should not have to risk their lives simply to access their farms and earn a living.

“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for safer means of transportation for our farming communities. No farmer should have to risk his or her life simply to access a farm and provide food for the family,” Dan’iya said.

He called for a comprehensive assessment of waterways across Sokoto State, alongside the provision of properly regulated boats, life jackets, trained boat operators and better emergency response equipment.

He further advocated the construction of bridges and alternative crossings in communities where waterways pose significant transportation risks.

“The safety and welfare of rural communities must remain a fundamental responsibility of government, especially when citizens are travelling to their farms to produce food and sustain their families,” he said.

Dan’iya pledged that an ADC administration in Sokoto would prioritise rural infrastructure, agricultural development and community safety.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as the search for the missing passengers continues.

A Recurring Tragedy

The Gorau accident occurred exactly one year after a similar boat accident in Kijio community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area, highlighting recurring concerns over water transportation and safety measures in riverine farming communities.

With 46 bodies already recovered and 16 passengers still missing, attention has now shifted to the ongoing search operation and efforts to account for every person who was on board.

Authorities have yet to announce the final casualty figure or determine the circumstances that caused the boat to capsize.