The Sokoto boat disaster of August 17, 2025, has tragically left over 40 people missing and at least 10 rescued, marking one of the deadliest incidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways this year. The accident occurred on a river near Kojiyo village in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State as a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized midstream while en route to Goronyo Market.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the ill-fated boat was overcrowded, a persistent problem on Nigeria’s waterways, especially during the rainy season when rivers are swollen. “About 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing,” NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, confirmed. Rescue efforts have been launched involving NEMA, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), local government officials, and community divers working tirelessly to locate those still unaccounted for.
Eyewitnesses described the tragic scene. Usman Dangaliman, a local resident, shared that the passengers included traders and villagers crossing the river with motorcycles aboard the boat. “We have recovered one body and six motorcycles so far,” he said, emphasizing that the identities of many victims remain unknown as search continues.
Sokoto State authorities have expressed deep sorrow. SEMA’s Special Adviser, Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, mourned the loss and reassured that all measures are being taken to intensify rescue operations and enhance water safety. “This is indeed a great tragedy for our community,” he said, urging residents to adhere to safety regulations to prevent such disasters.
Boat accidents like this are alarmingly common in the region due to overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, and inadequate regulation. Past incidents in Sokoto and neighboring states have resulted in significant fatalities, compounding community grief and raising urgent calls for improved water transport safety.
The disaster highlights the critical need for stronger enforcement of safety measures such as limiting passenger numbers, ensuring the use of life jackets, and improving emergency response capacity to protect vulnerable river communities.
As families await news of missing loved ones, the immediate focus remains on the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Authorities also plan to conduct thorough investigations and increase public awareness campaigns on water safety.
In summary, the Sokoto boat disaster has devastated many families and underlines long-standing challenges facing inland water transport in Nigeria. The authorities’ commitment to rescue and prevention efforts is crucial to averting future tragedies on the nation’s waterways.
