The Sokoto State Government has confirmed the death of four passengers in a boat accident at Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area, along the Sokoto Rima River. The tragedy occurred around 1:00 pm on Sunday, when the boat conveying passengers capsized.
Officials also reported that five passengers remain missing, while 41 others were rescued safely. The confirmation followed a joint search and fact-finding exercise by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Goronyo Local Government Council.
A Sokoto State Government delegation, led by Deputy Governor Hon. Idris Muhammed Gobir, visited the affected area to console the bereaved families and residents. During the visit, the Deputy Governor announced:
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A donation of ₦20 million to assist affected families.
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100 bags of food items for those impacted by the accident.
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20 motorized boats and life jackets for riverine communities across the state, with two allocated to Goronyo LGA.
Hon. Gobir emphasized that the initiative aims to safeguard lives of passengers who rely on waterways, and assured communities of the government’s commitment to protect lives and property. He also urged bereaved families to accept the incident as an act of Almighty Allah and prayed for divine protection against future occurrences.
The delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa; Chief of Staff, Aminu Haliru Dikko (mni); State APC Chairman, Isa Saddiq Achida; Commissioners; Special Advisers; and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor.
River transport is a vital lifeline for many riverine communities in Sokoto State, yet accidents remain a recurring hazard due to overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance, and lack of safety equipment. The state government’s response highlights a proactive approach to preventing future tragedies, combining emergency relief with investment in safer transportation infrastructure.
Such interventions are crucial not only for community safety but also for boosting economic and social activity in rural riverine areas that depend on waterways for travel, trade, and access to essential services.
The Sokoto boat mishap is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by riverine populations. While immediate relief and donations provide temporary support, sustainable safety measures—motorized boats, life jackets, training, and regulatory oversight—remain essential to prevent future casualties.
The state government’s commitment, combined with community cooperation and awareness, could serve as a model for safer river transport management across Nigeria.
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