More than 40 people are missing after a boat carrying passengers capsized in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, on Sunday, according to emergency officials.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the accident and said its team had been deployed to help with search and rescue operations. The boat was reportedly on its way to Goronyo Market when it overturned.
Authorities said the boat had over 50 people on board, but only about 10 passengers have been rescued so far. Rescue teams are continuing their search for survivors, but hopes are fading as the hours pass.
Local reports suggest that the accident may have been caused by overloading, a common problem in river transport in Nigeria. Many river communities depend on boats for transportation because of poor road networks.
Boat accidents happen often during the rainy season (March to October) when rivers overflow and currents become strong. Just last month, a similar tragedy occurred in Niger State, where a boat carrying about 100 people capsized, killing at least 13 people, with many still missing. Two days later, six girls drowned in another accident in Jigawa State.
In August 2024, at least 16 farmers died when their canoe capsized while crossing a river in Sokoto to reach their rice farms.
Officials are urging people to avoid overcrowded boats and wear life jackets, but enforcement remains weak in many areas.
