A tragic incident occurred in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria, when a boat capsized on Thursday, resulting in at least 47 fatalities. The boat was transporting over 80 individuals primarily headed to farms in Gorau, within the Goronyo local government area.
Abdulkadir Yusuf, Sokoto state manager at the National Inland Waterways Authority, confirmed the current death toll at 47. Among the victims was Jamila Usman, a 13-year-old granddaughter of resident Samaila Garba. Garba reported counting at least 42 bodies, noting that many of the victims were women and children. He explained that during the rainy season, more women and children work in the farms.
Aminu Dan Hajiya, another local resident, expressed his relief at not being on the boat, acknowledging that nearly every household in the community has been impacted by the tragedy. Usman Yusuf, a community leader in Gorau, mentioned that over 80 people were on the boat, and 41 have been laid to rest.
Boat accidents frequently occur in Nigeria, notably during the rainy season. The lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations permits substandard boats to operate without necessary life jackets. Last January, a similar catastrophe in Yobe state claimed at least 25 lives.
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