Sokoto boat mishap: NEMA confirms recovery of 3 bodies

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the recovery of three bodies in the ongoing search and rescue operations following a tragic boat mishap on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Daily Trust gathered that the boat, which was reportedly overloaded, may have capsized due to strong winds […]

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the recovery of three bodies in the ongoing search and rescue operations following a tragic boat mishap on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Daily Trust gathered that the boat, which was reportedly overloaded, may have capsized due to strong winds and turbulent currents. It was carrying 51 passengers at the time of the incident.

The boat had departed from one of the surrounding communities and was heading to Goronyo town, where most of the passengers-mainly traders and women-were expected to attend the weekly market when disaster struck.

A statement by the head of NEMA’s media unit, Manzo Ezekiel, said the three bodies were retrieved on Tuesday from the river at Kojiyo, Bari, and Wuci communities.

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He said the recovery was made possible through the combined efforts of NEMA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and local divers.

Ezekiel added that the development brings the number of missing persons to 22.

He further disclosed that the NEMA Team Lead, Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, had secured the support of the 119 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force Disaster Response Unit (DRU). Kafindangi briefed the Commander, Group Captain U.S. Maibuhu, on the incident and urged the DRU to remain on standby.

“The rescue operation has been aided by dam management efforts, which have held back the waters and significantly reduced the river’s water level, improving search effectiveness,” Ezekiel said.

He assured the public that search and rescue operations would continue and be further intensified.