Over 40 Missing After Boat Capsizes in Nigeria’s Sokoto State

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Lagos – At least 40 people are feared missing after a passenger boat capsized in northwest Nigeria’s Sokoto State, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The boat, carrying around 50 passengers, was en route to the Goronyo Market, one of the region’s busiest trading hubs, when it overturned on Sunday. So far, 10 survivors have been rescued, while search and rescue teams continue operations to locate the missing.

Zubaidar Umar, Director General of NEMA, confirmed the incident in a statement shared on the social media platform X, noting that the agency is working closely with local authorities and first responders to intensify recovery efforts.

This latest accident underscores Nigeria’s persistent struggle with boat mishaps, which are often linked to overcrowding, poor safety standards, and weak enforcement of maritime regulations. Just three weeks earlier, at least 13 people died and dozens more were declared missing when a boat carrying around 100 passengers capsized in Niger State.

Authorities have urged stricter safety compliance and enhanced monitoring to prevent such recurring tragedies, which claim dozens of lives each year across Nigeria’s waterways.

Thank you for reading! For comprehensive news coverage and exclusive stories, visit SafartiTarjuman.com