Six Dead, Three Missing In Fresh Sokoto Boat Accident — NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that six persons lost their lives and three others remain missing following a canoe accident that occurred on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Garin-faji, Sabon-birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
NEMA disclosed this via its official X handle on Sunday, noting that a total of 30 persons were onboard when the mishap occurred. Out of the figure, 21 people, including two canoe operators, survived the incident, while six bodies were recovered from the river.
According to the agency, the bodies of the deceased were buried in line with Islamic rites before the arrival of the joint response team to the affected community.
NEMA stated that search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate the three missing persons.
The Sokoto Operations Office of NEMA led the response efforts, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders, including the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Red Cross, Sokoto State Ministry of Works, the member representing Sabon-birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, local government officials, and traditional leaders.
The agency, while sympathizing with the affected families, called on relevant regulatory authorities overseeing the nation’s waterways to enforce strict compliance with safety standards and protocols.
It emphasised the need for both crew and passengers to wear life jackets when using canoes and boats for transportation and commercial purposes.
NEMA assured that its Sokoto Operations Office is closely monitoring the ongoing search and rescue operations and will continue to provide updates on the incident.
Six Dead, Three Missing In Fresh Sokoto Boat Accident — NEMA is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
