President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the boat accident in Gorau Community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of passengers and left several others missing.
The President extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as the Sokoto State Government and residents affected by the tragedy.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the incident as deeply distressing and prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved families.
He also prayed for the safe recovery of those still unaccounted for and wished those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.
Tinubu commended the emergency responders, security agencies and local divers involved in the rescue and recovery operation, urging them to sustain efforts until the search is concluded.
The President directed relevant federal agencies, particularly the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to collaborate with the Sokoto State Government to strengthen safety measures on the state’s waterways.
He called for strict enforcement of existing safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future and assured the people of Sokoto State of the Federal Government’s support.
The accident occurred on Thursday morning when a boat carrying 77 passengers, including farmers, women and children, reportedly capsized shortly after leaving Gorau Community.
The Sokoto State Police Command said 46 bodies had been recovered, while 15 passengers were rescued alive. Search and rescue operations are being conducted by local divers alongside personnel from NEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the police.
The tragedy occurred exactly one year after another fatal boat accident in Kijio Community, also in Goronyo Local Government Area.
