Six Die, Three Missing as Canoe Capsizes in Sokoto,.Reports NEMA 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the tragic demise of six individuals following the capsizing of a canoe in Garin-faji, Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to the agency, the incident, which occurred on Friday, involved 30 people in the state.

NEMA reported that of the 30 individuals involved, 21 survived, including two canoe operators. Six bodies have been retrieved from the river, while three others remain unaccounted for.

In a statement released on Sunday by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the agency emphasized that search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the missing persons.

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The bodies retrieved were interred according to Islamic rites prior to the arrival of the joint team at the village, as reported by NEMA.

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The statement detailed that NEMA, alongside the Sokoto Operations Office, responded to the incident on Saturday, collaborating with stakeholders such as NIWA, SEMA, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Red Cross, Sokoto State Ministry of Works, a member representing Sabon-birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, officials from the local government council, and traditional leaders.

NEMA has urged relevant regulatory authorities overseeing the nation’s waterways to enforce adherence to safety protocols and standards for canoe and boat transportation and commercial activities, particularly ensuring the use of life jackets by both crew and passengers.

The statement also noted that the state operation is closely monitoring the search and rescue efforts and will continue to provide updates on the situation.

Just last week, over 50 individuals were involved in a boat mishap in Goronyo, Sokoto, which resulted in four fatalities.