Sokoto boat mishap rescue saves 15 more people, bringing survivors to 25, as NEMA intensifies search for the missing

Sokoto boat mishap rescue efforts have brought hope to families after the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that 15 more persons were saved on Monday, raising the number of survivors to 25.

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The rescue followed Sunday’s tragic incident in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area, where a canoe carrying over 50 passengers en route to Goronyo Market capsized.

Initial operations had recovered 10 passengers, but intensified efforts boosted the survivor tally.

In a statement, NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, said the operation also retrieved seven motorcycles from the river.

To aid the mission, the Goronyo Dam management temporarily closed the dam for two days, giving divers and rescuers better access to the site.

NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, led by Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, remains fully on the ground, working with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), local government officials, and community divers.

Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to saving lives and supporting affected families.

“Rescue operations will be sustained and further intensified until all missing persons are accounted for,” she assured.

Also read: Update: Boat mishap claims lives, leaves passengers missing

With 25 still missing, the Sokoto boat mishap remains a painful reminder of the dangers of inland water travel, but the latest rescues provide renewed optimism for families awaiting their loved ones.