A devastating incident occurred on Thursday morning in Gorau community, located in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where a boat carrying 77 passengers capsized. The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that 46 bodies have been recovered, while 16 individuals remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue.

The ill-fated boat was reportedly transporting farmers, including men, women, and children, to their rice farms when the tragedy struck. According to police spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, 15 passengers were rescued alive. The ongoing rescue operation involves local divers, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and police personnel.

Witnesses reported that local divers and emergency responders promptly mobilized to the scene following the capsizing. A community member, who chose to remain anonymous, described the immediate aftermath, stating that initial reports indicated only a few survivors, while several bodies were retrieved from the water. Families are anxiously waiting for news regarding their loved ones as rescue teams persist in their search efforts.

Alhaji Ibrahim, an official from NEMA, confirmed that additional personnel were dispatched to support the ongoing operations. The cause of the boat's capsizing has yet to be determined, leaving many questions unanswered in the wake of this tragedy.

Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Sokoto State, expressed his sorrow over the incident, labeling it a "devastating tragedy." He highlighted that among the passengers were children aged between 10 and 15 years who were traveling with farmers and laborers. In a statement released through his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan'iya urged the Sokoto State Government and emergency agencies to enhance their response by sending more personnel, medical teams, and rescue equipment to the site.

Dan'iya emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of the waterways in the state, advocating for the provision of regulated boats, life jackets, trained operators, and the construction of bridges or alternative crossings. He stated, "No farmer should have to risk his or her life simply to access a farm and provide food for the family."

This tragic event comes exactly one year after a similar boat accident occurred in Kijio community, also within the Goronyo Local Government Area, where 40 people were feared dead. As the community mourns the loss of life, there are increasing calls for improved safety measures in waterway transport to prevent such tragedies in the future.