The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 25 passengers have been rescued while 25 remain missing following Sunday’s boat mishap in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In a statement signed by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA explained that the ill-fated canoe was carrying over 50 passengers heading to Goronyo Market when it capsized.
The agency revealed that initial rescue efforts saved 10 passengers, while intensified operations later brought out an additional 15 survivors. Authorities also recovered seven motorcycles from the river.
To boost search operations, the management of Goronyo Dam has temporarily shut down the dam for two days, creating access for divers and emergency workers.
NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, led by Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, is coordinating the mission in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local divers.
Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, assured Nigerians that the operation will continue until every missing passenger is accounted for.
“Our team remains on ground, fully committed to saving lives, supporting affected families, and keeping the public informed with timely updates,” she said
