Sokoto State has been struck by yet another boat tragedy, leaving families and communities in mourning. One person has been confirmed dead, nine rescued, and an 80-year-old woman remains missing in Shagari Local Government Area
The incident occurred on Thursday, 29th August 2025, when a boat carrying 11 passengers capsized while crossing a river from Tudun Launa to Ruggar Buda.
Eyewitnesses said the passengers had traveled from Yabo Local Government Area after visiting a local market. The boat, reportedly overloaded and struggling against strong currents, lost balance midway across the river.
A coordinated rescue operation by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) recovered the body of 29-year-old Salmanu Muhammad Lambara, a native of the area. Hajiya Hajara, an 80-year-old woman from Malam Gero Lambara, is still missing. Rescue teams continue their search for her, vowing not to stop until she is found or her safety confirmed.
Nine other passengers, including the boat operator, survived, though many were traumatized by the ordeal. Community members helped pull survivors from the water before emergency officials arrived.
Abubakar Jabbi Lambara, a resident and former councilor of Lambara Ward, said the tragedy occurred between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, when visibility was low and the river current strong.
Residents have expressed grief and frustration over the frequent river accidents in the area, criticizing the government for failing to prevent repeated fatalities. Emergency officials highlighted the dangers posed by the lack of motorized boats and life jackets, noting that many rural communities depend on traditional canoes for daily travel.
This is the third boat mishap reported in Sokoto State within a month, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention, stricter safety regulations, and safer transport alternatives.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with officials committed to tracing the missing elderly woman until the operation concludes.
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