The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed another fatal boat mishap in the Faji community of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
NIWA’s Area Manager in Sokoto, Bala Bello, told journalists on Sunday that six people had died, 19 survivors were rescued, and three people were still missing in the incident.
Mr. Bello, who said the mishap occurred on August 22, attributed it to negligence, canoe overloading, and violations of safety rules.
He explained that a team of inspectors comprising officials from NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross Society had visited the affected community.
Mr. Bello said the team confirmed the casualty figures, while search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate the three missing persons.
The Area Manager reiterated that NIWA had been engaging with riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, the use of life jackets, and other considerations regarding water transportation.
The Sokoto State Government had earlier confirmed the death of four passengers, 41 survivors, and five missing persons in a separate boat mishap on August 17 at Kojiyo village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred along the Sokoto Rima River when the boat conveying the passengers capsized.
NAN
