Sokoto State government has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Rinaye village in Shagari local government area following a tragic boat mishap that claimed seven lives.
The accident occurred when a boat carrying nine passengers capsized, resulting in the deaths of four minors and three women. Only the boat captain and one other passenger survived.
In a show of sympathy and support, a delegation from the Sokoto State Government visited Rinaye to commiserate with the bereaved families and donated four bags each of rice, millet, and maize, alongside ₦4 million in cash assistance to the affected households.
While presenting the relief materials, the leader of the delegation and Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Muhammad Tukur Alkali, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
He described the incident as heartbreaking, especially given the loss of women and children, and offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and strength for the grieving families.
The vice chairman of Shagari local government, Mansur Muhammad Rafi, along with community leaders in Rinaye, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the compassion shown to the victims.
Reacting from Saudi Arabia where he is performing the Hajj pilgrimage, Governor Aliyu conveyed profound sadness over the incident.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives of residents in riverine communities. He stated that he was deeply touched by the sad event, expressing concern over the continued loss of rural dwellers to boat mishaps.
He reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that people in riverine areas can travel safely using well-equipped, motorized boats and life jackets.
It will be recalled that the Sokoto State Executive Council had earlier approved the purchase of motorized boats and life jackets for riverine communities, following a similar boat mishap in Dundaye village, Wamakko local government area, in August 2024, which claimed five lives.
