Over 40 missing after boat capsizes in Nigeria's Sokoto state

In northwestern Nigeria, a tragic boat accident occurred over the weekend, resulting in the disappearance of at least 40 individuals. The incident took place on a river in Sokoto State, specifically around the Goronyo area, while the vessel was carrying passengers to a market. Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that there were over 50 passengers on board when the boat capsized. Emergency response teams were dispatched to conduct search and rescue operations in an effort to locate the missing persons. As of the latest updates, approximately 10 individuals had been rescued from the water. Boat accidents have become a recurring issue in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season when waterways are prone to overflow. Overloading and insufficient maintenance of vessels are major contributing factors leading to these accidents. NEMA's director general, Zubaida Umar, highlighted the gravity of the situation, as the agency continues its efforts to recover those still unaccounted for. The rainy season lasts from March to October, leaving many local communities vulnerable due to the unreliable nature of boat transport in such conditions. This incident follows a disturbing trend of fatal boat mishaps in Nigeria, as reported over the past several months. Previous accidents included the capsizing of a canoe carrying 16 farmers in Sokoto State in August and another incident during the previous month involving at least 13 fatalities in Niger State. It is reported that at least 326 individuals have died in boat accidents across Nigeria in 2024 alone, reflecting a troubling reality for communities relying on these means of transport. Authorities and analysts have pointed to a lack of enforcement of safety regulations, such as the absence of life jackets on many boats, as factors exacerbating the danger faced by passengers. There is an urgent need for improvements in safety measures and regulatory oversights to prevent further tragedies on Nigeria's waterways. As search and rescue teams continue their work, the hope remains that more survivors can be discovered and that preventive measures will be established to avoid such disasters in the future.