At least 57 people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying farmers and farm labourers capsized in Gorau, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The victims were reportedly travelling to their rice farms when the boat overturned shortly after setting off while crossing a waterway.

Most of those on board were said to be children between the ages of 10 and 15 who were accompanying farmers and labourers to the farms for the rice harvest.

An eyewitness, Usman Yusuf Gorau, who was at the scene, said more than 80 people were initially believed to have boarded the boat.

“So far, we have recovered about 57 bodies,” Yusuf told our reporter.
He said the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.

“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off,” he said.

However, the Sokoto State Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Abdulkadir Yusuf, put the death toll at 47 when contacted.

Meanwhile, Yusuf, a community leader in Gorau, said more than 80 passengers had boarded the boat.

He said 41 victims were initially buried before the number of recovered bodies rose to 57.

Local divers and residents were said to have continued search and recovery efforts for possible survivors and those still missing.

Reacting to the tragedy, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a devastating tragedy.

Dan’iya said the reported presence of many children aged between 10 and 15 among the passengers made the incident particularly distressing.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government and the people of Sokoto State.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and the safe recovery of anyone still missing, while commending local divers and residents participating in the rescue operation.

The ADC candidate urged the Sokoto State Government and relevant emergency agencies to immediately deploy additional rescue personnel, medical teams and equipment to the affected community to support the ongoing search and provide medical care to survivors.

He also called for the proper identification and documentation of the victims to assist their families during the difficult period.

Dan’iya said the tragedy underscored the urgent need to provide safer means of transportation for farming communities located across waterways, particularly during peak agricultural seasons.

He called for a comprehensive assessment of local waterways, provision of safe and properly regulated boats, life jackets, trained boat operators, emergency response equipment and accessible bridges or alternative crossings where necessary.

According to him, the safety and welfare of rural communities must remain a fundamental responsibility of government, especially when citizens are travelling to farms to produce food and sustain their livelihoods.

He added that an ADC administration in Sokoto would prioritise rural infrastructure, agricultural development and community safety to ensure that farmers are not forced to risk their lives simply to access their means of livelihood.