Over 40 People Missing After Boat Turns Over in Nigeria, Rescue Happening Now
SOKOTO, Nigeria – August 18, 2025:A really bad boat accident in Sokoto State, Nigeria, has left over 40 folks missing, and a big search is on. The boat tipped over on Sunday. Word is, it had over 50 people aboard. They were going to a well-known food market in the Goronyo area. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says they’ve saved 10 people, but they’re really trying to find the rest.
What Happened?
NEMA says the boat was taking people to the busy Goronyo Market when it turned over. No one’s sure exactly why it happened, but people think it was because the boat had too many passengers and not enough safety stuff. Most of the people on the boat were sellers and locals from nearby towns.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who runs NEMA, got her team moving right away when she heard about the accident. NEMA’s Sokoto office is working with local helpers to find the missing people. They jumped into action fast because it’s a serious situation.
Sadly, This Has Happened Before
This isn’t the first time something like this has happened on Nigeria’s rivers. Just three weeks ago, in Niger State, at least 13 died, and many went missing when a boat carrying over 100 people capsized. These accidents show how dangerous it is for the millions who use boats to get around.
Past investigations say the problems are old boats, too many people on board, and not using life jackets. Even though the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has rules, it’s hard to make people follow them, especially in faraway places where boats are the only way to travel.
Searching Now
Right now, divers and locals are searching the river. It’s hard because the river is big and moving fast, plus there might be stuff under the water. NEMA says they’re doing everything they can to save lives and help the families.
People in the area are helping however they can, using little boats to look around. Everyone is sad and worried, waiting for news about their families. The government is asking people to stay away from the river so they don’t get in the way of the rescue teams.
What’s Next?
The Sokoto State government is helping out and promising to support the rescue teams and the families. People are asking the government to do more to make sure everyone follows the safety rules.
This accident shows that Nigeria needs a plan to make boat travel safer. That means better boats, cheaper life jackets, and teaching people about the dangers of too many passengers and traveling at night. These accidents keep happening, and the government needs to step up and take action.
