The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed that six people died and three others remain missing after a boat accident in the Faji community of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
NIWA’s Area Manager in Sokoto, Bala Bello, told journalists on Sunday that the mishap, which occurred on August 22, was caused by negligence, overloading, and violations of safety rules.
He said 19 passengers were rescued alive, while search and rescue operations were ongoing to find the missing persons.
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According to Bello, a joint inspection team involving NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross confirmed the casualty figures during a visit to the affected community.
He added that NIWA has continued to engage riverine communities on safety measures, including strict adherence to guidelines and the use of life jackets.
The tragedy came barely five days after another boat mishap claimed four lives at Kojiyo village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state. In that incident, 41 passengers were rescued while five others were declared missing after their boat capsized along the Sokoto Rima River.
