At least 25 people have been rescued while another 25 remain missing after a boat carrying around 50 passengers capsized on Sunday in Sokoto State. The National Emergency Management Agency confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying those still unaccounted for are feared dead, though no bodies have been recovered.
The ill-fated boat was on its way to Goronyo market, carrying women, children and motorcycles, when it suddenly overturned.
Incidents like this are common during Nigeria’s rainy season, often caused by poor regulation and overcrowding. Officials said Sunday’s accident resulted from overloading and the absence of reliable road networks, which forces many residents to depend on river transport.
Rescue efforts have been difficult due to strong water currents from a nearby dam, according to the Chairman of Goronyo Local Government, Zubairu Yari.
