NEED TO KNOW
- On Sunday, Aug. 17, a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized in Sokoto State, Nigeria, while traveling to the popular Goronyo Market
- According to the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), per local media outlet The Punch, at least 10 people have died and six have been rescued alive
- More than 40 remain missing following the incident, according to SEMA
At least 10 people have died and over 40 remain missing following a boat accident in Sokoto State, Nigeria, according to reports.
On Sunday, Aug. 17, a boat going towards the popular food Goronyo Market with over 50 passengers onboard capsized mid-journey, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced in a post on X.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, and the Sokoto Operations Office (SOO) launched a rescue mission following the incident.
“The Agency reassures the public of its commitment to saving lives, providing timely updates, and coordinating all necessary support for the affected families,” NEMA said in a statement shared on X.
National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria
The exact number of victims in the river incident is currently unknown, while NEMA and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have mobilized teams to assist at the scene in Goronyo, local news outlet The Sun reported.
In their statement on X, SEMA said that more than 40 people remained missing.
“To date, 10 individuals have been confirmed deceased, while 6 have been rescued alive. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers,” SEMA said in a statement on Sunday, per The Punch.
Several local authorities and emergency responders are also assisting amid the search for the remaining 40 missing people, Reuters and local news outlet The Guardian reported.
“This is indeed a great tragedy for our community,” a resident told The Sun, adding that the atmosphere in Kojiyo is tense and sorrowful.
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National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria
Special Adviser of SEMA, Hon. Aminu Liman Boding, expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the boat accident in a statement shared with The Punch.
“The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has deployed response teams to enhance ongoing search operations,” Boding said, per the outlet. “We urge community members to adhere strictly to safety regulations and avoid overloading boats.”
The tragedy comes less than a month after a boat carrying around 100 passengers capsized in Niger State, leaving 13 people dead and many others missing, Reuters reported.
NEMA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Monday, Aug. 18.
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