Shagari (Sokoto State): The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed another fatal boat mishap for the third time this month at the Jaranja River in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
NIWA Area Manager in Sokoto, Mr Bala Bello, said on Friday in Sokoto that two people died, while nine survivors were rescued.
Bello, who stated that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon, attributed it to negligence, overloading of the canoe, and a violation of safety regulations.
He explained that a rescue team, comprising officials from NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross Society, had been deployed to the scene.
Bello said the team confirmed the casualty figures while search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate the missing persons.
The Area Manager reiterated that NIWA had been engaging with riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, the use of life jackets, and other considerations related to water usage.
The Sokoto State Government confirmed the death of four passengers, 41 survivors, and five missing persons in a boat mishap on August 17 at Kojiyo Village in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state.
Another incident occurred on August 22 at Faji Community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state, marking the third incident within the month.
Speaking at the scene, Malam Tukur Abubakar, the NEMA Head of Rescue and Rehabilitation, stated that search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate the missing person.
A resident, Malam Abubakar Jabbi from La, Said that local divers rescued nine persons, one body recovered, while a female body among the boat passengers is still missing.