Tambuwal, Shagari mourn victims of Sokoto boat accident, demand action

A devastating boat accident in the Gorau community of Sokoto State, Nigeria, claimed the lives of 41 people, with 14 others successfully rescued. The incident occurred on Thursday when a passenger boat capsized, plunging the region into mourning.

Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Tambuwal described the mishap as a "devastating tragedy." In a statement released via his media office, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Gorau community. Tambuwal commended the swift response of local residents, rescuers, and emergency responders, acknowledging their crucial role in the search-and-rescue operation.

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I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred earlier today in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed the lives of 41 people, while 11 others were rescued.

Tambuwal also demanded an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. He stressed the critical need for enhanced safety measures on Nigeria's inland waterways, urging authorities to rigorously enforce existing boat operation regulations, particularly in areas where water transport is essential for daily life. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred earlier today in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed the lives of 41 people, while 11 others were rescued," Tambuwal stated.

Similarly, Mukhtar Shagari, Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Governing Board, echoed the sentiment of profound grief. He characterized the event as a "painful and devastating tragedy," noting the deep distress caused by the loss of innocent lives to the people of Sokoto and the affected families. Shagari urged riverine communities and boat operators to exercise extreme caution, advising against overloading, early morning trips during high tides, and night operations due to visibility risks. He called the recurring boat mishaps a wake-up call for stakeholders to strengthen waterway safety measures.

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The recurring loss of lives through avoidable boat mishaps should serve as a wake-up call to stakeholders to strengthen safety measures on the waterways.