At least 40 people remain missing and 10 have been rescued after a boat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized in Sokoto State on Sunday, officials confirmed.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the vessel was headed to Goronyo Market when it overturned. A response team from NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office was immediately deployed to assist with rescue efforts.
“About 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing,” NEMA said in a statement posted on X. The agency added that it was working closely with local authorities and emergency responders to intensify the search.
NEMA assured the public of its “commitment to saving lives, providing timely updates, and coordinating all necessary support for the affected families.”
This latest incident highlights recurring concerns over boat safety in Nigeria. In December 2024, a similar mishap in Benue State left three people dead and 23 missing after a vessel carrying 76 passengers struck a submerged tree and capsized in River Benue.
Rescue operations in Sokoto are ongoing, with authorities seeking additional support from local divers and security agencies to trace those still missing.