A recent boat accident in the Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State has resulted in multiple fatalities, prompting widespread mourning in the affected communities. This incident marks the third boat mishap in the state within a month, highlighting growing concerns about safety on waterways.

According to Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), officials have been dispatched to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations. SEMA is collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to rescue survivors and recover victims.

Reports indicate that the boat, which was overloaded, capsized in the middle of the river, throwing all passengers into the water. While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, local residents fear that many lives have been lost. Boat accidents have become a recurring issue in Sokoto, with this latest incident underscoring the need for improved safety measures.

Residents in riverine areas, who rely heavily on boats for transportation, are urging authorities to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life. The frequency of boat accidents in the state has raised concerns about the safety of waterways and the need for stricter regulations to prevent overloading and ensure the seaworthiness of vessels.

The Sokoto State government, in collaboration with federal agencies, is working to address the root causes of these accidents and prevent future tragedies. As the search and rescue operations continue, the authorities are also expected to launch an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The repeated occurrence of boat accidents in Sokoto has significant implications for the safety of residents and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue.