At least 22 people are presumed dead following the capsizing of a boat in northwest Nigeria, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Incident Details
- Location: Midstream in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria
- Date: Sunday
- Passengers: Approximately 50 farmers and traders en route to a local market
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that:
- 25 passengers were rescued shortly after the accident
- 3 bodies were recovered on Tuesday
- 22 people remain unaccounted for, but rescue operations have now concluded
Aliyu Kafindangi, NEMA’s head of operations in Sokoto, explained to local broadcaster Channels: “Search and rescue has been called off because it’s expected that after 24 hours, there is no chance of finding any survivors.”
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria, largely due to:
- Overcrowding of vessels
- Poor maintenance of boats
- Seasonal challenges during the rainy season, when rivers and lakes overflow
Historical Precedent:
| Date | Location | Casualties | Description |
| August 2024 | Sokoto State | 16 farmers | Wooden canoe capsized while transporting farmers to rice fields |
These recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for improved regulation and safety standards on Nigeria’s waterways.
