The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 15 more people have been rescued following Sunday’s boat accident in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In a statement released Monday, August 18, NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel said the total number of survivors is now 25, while 25 people are still missing.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, assured the public that rescue operations will continue and be intensified until all missing persons are found.
The incident involved a canoe carrying over 50 passengers heading to Goronyo Market when it capsized on Sunday. Initial rescue efforts saved 10 people, and the latest operation brought in 15 more survivors. Authorities also recovered seven motorcycles from the water.
To aid the rescue, the Goronyo Dam has been temporarily shut for two days, giving divers better access to the site.
The NEMA team, led by the agency’s Sokoto Operations Head, Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, remains at the scene. The operation is being carried out in coordination with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority, Goronyo Local Government, and local divers.
Mrs. Umar reiterated NEMA’s commitment to saving lives, supporting affected families, and providing regular public updates.
