Sokoto riverboat capsized; dozens missing as rescue under way

A maritime rescue operation is underway in Sokoto State after a riverboat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized on Sunday while en route to Goronyo Market, sparking a search for dozens of missing people. Official briefings said about 10 individuals had been rescued, with more than 40 others unaccounted for as rescue teams from the national and state emergency agencies coordinate on the ground. The incident, occurring during Nigeria’s rainy season when waterways swell, has raised questions about safety standards on the country’s largely unregulated waterways and the prevalence of overloaded boats.

responders from the National Emergency Management Agency and Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency were dispatched to Goronyo to lead search and rescue efforts, working with local authorities and volunteers. A spokesperson for the agency emphasized the commitment to saving lives and providing timely updates to families. A local official noted that rescue operations faced challenges from strong currents associated with a nearby dam, complicating efforts to reach passengers in need. Community members described the scene as chaotic and tense, with relatives gathering along the...