Shagari (Sokoto State), Aug. 29, 2025 The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reported a fresh boat accident at Jaranja River in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, marking the third such tragedy in the state this month.
NIWA Area Manager in Sokoto, Mr. Bala Bello, confirmed on Friday that two passengers lost their lives in the mishap, while nine others were rescued.
According to Bello, the accident occurred on Friday afternoon and was caused by negligence, overloading of the canoe, and disregard for safety regulations.
He explained that a combined rescue team, including officials from NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross Society, was immediately deployed to the site.
The team confirmed the casualty figures while search and rescue efforts continued to trace any missing passengers.
Bello added that NIWA has consistently engaged riverine communities on safety measures such as the use of life jackets and adherence to water transport guidelines.
Earlier this month, the Sokoto State Government confirmed four deaths, 41 survivors, and five missing persons in a separate mishap at Kojiyo Village, Goronyo Local Government Area, on August 17. Another incident was recorded at Faji Community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, on August 22.
At the Jaranja scene, NEMA’s Head of Rescue and Rehabilitation, Malam Tukur Abubakar, said operations were ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.
A local resident, Malam Abubakar Jabbi, said community divers had pulled out nine survivors and recovered one body, while the search for a missing female passenger continued.