The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 15 more persons in the ongoing operations following the boat mishap in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
This brings the total number of persons rescued to 25 while 25 others remain unaccounted for.
The ill-fated canoe, which was carrying about 50 passengers to Goronyo market, capsized in Kojiyo village on Sunday.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has also assured that rescue operations will be sustained and intensified until all missing persons are rescued.
Initial operations led to the rescue of 10 passengers, while the intensified efforts yielded an additional 15 rescues. Authorities also recovered seven motorcycles from the river.
To enhance the effectiveness of the operation, the management of Goronyo Dam has temporarily closed the dam for two days, to allow divers and rescuers access to the affected area.
According to NEMA, its rescue team, led by Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, Head of the Agency’s Sokoto Operations Office will remain at the scene.
The team is working in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local divers to sustain the coordinated search and rescue operations.
The DG reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to saving lives, supporting affected families, and providing timely updates to the public.
