A tragic boat accident in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has left at least 40 people feared dead. The incident occurred on August 20 as farmers were crossing a stream to reach their rice farms.
Boat Capsizes Shortly After Takeoff
According to eyewitnesses, the boat was carrying farmers and labourers, many of them between 10 and 15 years old, when it capsized shortly after departing from the shore. The victims included farm owners and hired workers who had been engaged to harvest rice. The village head of Gorau was among those on board but was reportedly rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” an eyewitness told reporters. “The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies.”
Rescue Operations Underway
Local divers have been deployed to the scene to search for missing individuals and recover additional bodies. The recovery effort continues as families and community members await news of their loved ones. The boat was reportedly overcrowded, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of passengers at the time of the accident.
Impact on the Farming Community
The victims were primarily farmers and labourers heading to harvest rice, a critical crop for the region's economy and food security. The loss of so many workers, including minors, is expected to severely impact local agricultural output. Community leaders have called for urgent safety measures on water transport, especially for farming communities that rely on boats to access their fields.
