Many feared dead in Sokoto boat mishap

Tragedy hit the Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State after a boat accident that likely took several lives.

The accident, based on a report from a local resident, happened on Thursday. A boat with about 40 people, including men, women, and children, capsized during the journey.

This incident occurred exactly one year after a similar tragedy in Kijio community in the same LGA.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, confirmed the accident to our reporter. They mentioned that the total number of casualties cannot be confirmed at this time.

"Only five people have so far been reported rescued, while more than 20 bodies have been recovered from the water," the source said.

"Rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency responders and residents continue to search for any missing passengers," they added.

The community is now in mourning, with families anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones.

Residents are calling for more help in the rescue operations to find and save any passengers who may still be alive.

As of now, details about what caused the accident and the identities of the victims are not available.

More updates are expected as rescue operations continue.

When reached for comment, Ahmed Rufai, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, said they would release a statement about the incident soon.

A senior official from the National Emergency Management Agency, who only gave his name as Alhaji Ibrahim, told our reporter that NEMA officials are currently on their way to the community.