The death toll from Thursday’s boat mishap in Gorau village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has risen to 56, while 15 people have been rescued alive, as emergency teams continue searching for more victims.
A reliable source, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Sokoto State Civil Service, confirmed the latest casualty figures to our correspondent on Friday. He disclosed that rescuers have appealed to the management of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) to temporarily shut the flow from the Goronyo Dam to reduce the water level and aid ongoing recovery efforts.
“We have pleaded with the management of the Gorongo Dam to help us close the dam flow to reduce the water level as the search continue.
“Its really an unfortunate incident. As I am talking to you now, total dead body recovered so far stand at 56 while those rescued alive are 15 including the village head. The search is still ongoing.”
One of the rescuers, Isah Ibrahim, said more than 70 people, including children between the ages of 10 and 15, were believed to have been on board the boat when it capsized.
According to him, the passengers were travelling to their rice farms when the tragic incident occurred.
Earlier, the Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Tukur Abubakar, confirmed the accident but said authorities were still working to establish the exact number of casualties.
“It is true that the boat unfortunately capsized and there are reported fatalities. However, we cannot ascertain the actual number or casualties at the moment as our men are on their way for rescue.
“I am together with the officials of the Sokoto State, National Inland Waterways Authority and other emergency responders. We will give detailed update shortly.”
Meanwhile, condolences have continued to pour in from political leaders and public officials over the tragedy.
Among those who sympathised with the Sokoto State Government, the affected community and bereaved families are the member representing Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency, Hon. Usman Gorau; Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South Senatorial District; the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Manir Dan’Iya; and the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari.