The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have confirmed the death of four persons and the rescue of 41 others from the recent boat mishap in Goronyo, Sokoto State.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, disclosed that the response team visited four villages—Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha—where many of the passengers on the ill-fated boat were said to have resided.
Umar explained that the visits provided an opportunity to verify the number of persons still missing and to commiserate with families who lost their loved ones.
She stressed that during the visits, it was confirmed that 16 persons had survived the mishap.
“Following these developments, the multi-agency search and rescue operation has been officially concluded,” she said.
According to her, the increase in fatalities followed the recovery of an additional body earlier today. A funeral prayer was held in accordance with Islamic rites, and the body was immediately laid to rest.
Umar commended the rescue team for their diligence and the collective efforts of all stakeholders in ensuring the success of the operation.
“It will be recalled that the tragic boat mishap occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in the Kojiyo village area of Goronyo Dam, Sokoto State,” she added.
