Tinubu Mourns Sokoto Boat Accident Victims, Orders NIWA, NEMA to Enforce Waterway Safety

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the deadly boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, extending condolences to the families of victims and the people of the state.

The accident, which occurred on Thursday, August 20, has claimed dozens of lives and left several others missing after a boat carrying passengers to farms capsized in the community.

The incident has triggered ongoing rescue and recovery operations involving local divers, security personnel and emergency management officials.

While casualty figures have varied as the operation continues, police authorities said 46 bodies had been recovered and 15 people rescued alive, with others still unaccounted for. Other reports have cited higher death tolls as additional bodies were recovered.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as a tragedy and prayed for the families who lost their loved ones.

“The news of this boat mishap deeply saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the President said.

He prayed for the repose of the victims and strength for their relatives to cope with the loss, while also wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

Tinubu commended emergency responders and local authorities for their efforts to rescue survivors and recover victims following the accident.

The President subsequently directed relevant federal agencies, particularly the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to work with the Sokoto State Government to strengthen safety measures on the state’s waterways.

He further called for strict enforcement of existing waterway safety standards to reduce the risk of similar tragedies occurring in the future.

The Gorau incident has renewed concerns over safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, particularly the risks associated with overcrowding, inadequate safety equipment and weak enforcement of regulations.

Reports on the accident indicate that the boat was carrying farmers and labourers travelling to rice farms, with a significant number of women and children reportedly among those onboard.

President Tinubu assured the people of Sokoto State of the Federal Government’s support during the difficult period and urged continued efforts to locate anyone still missing.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.