A devastating boat accident in Gorau community, located in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has resulted in the recovery of 46 bodies and the rescue of 15 survivors. The incident occurred on Thursday when a boat carrying 77 passengers, including men, women, and children, capsized while transporting farmers to their rice farms.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the tragic event, stating that rescue operations are still underway for the remaining 16 passengers who are currently unaccounted for. DSP Ahmed Rufai, the police spokesman, noted that the rescue team comprises local divers, officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and police personnel.

Rufai detailed, “Forty-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 15 persons were rescued alive. The rescue team is still searching for the remaining 16 persons.” The cause of the capsizing remains unclear, and efforts to locate the missing individuals are ongoing.

The community has been plunged into mourning as families anxiously await news of their loved ones. A local resident, who requested anonymity, reported that the accident happened in the morning and that emergency responders began searching for survivors soon after. The resident expressed concern for the families still hoping for news, urging authorities to intensify the rescue efforts.

This tragic incident comes exactly one year after a similar boat accident in Kijio community, also within the Goronyo Local Government Area. In response to the current situation, a senior NEMA official, identified only as Alhaji Ibrahim, stated that personnel have been dispatched to assist in the ongoing rescue operations.

Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “devastating tragedy.” In a statement released by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya highlighted the heartbreaking fact that some of the passengers were children aged between 10 and 15 traveling with farmers and laborers.

Dan’iya commended the efforts of local divers and residents who have been actively involved in the rescue operations. He called upon the Sokoto State Government and emergency agencies to deploy additional personnel, medical teams, and necessary rescue equipment. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of properly identifying and documenting the victims to facilitate assistance for their families.

The ADC candidate also underscored the urgent need for safer transportation options for farming communities situated near waterways. “No farmer should have to risk his or her life simply to access a farm and provide food for the family,” he stated. He urged for a comprehensive assessment of waterways across the state, the provision of regulated boats and life jackets, training for boat operators, and the construction of bridges or alternative crossings where necessary.

As the search continues, Dan’iya extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Gorau community, and the people of Sokoto State, praying for the repose of the victims and urging residents to cooperate with emergency responders during this challenging time.