The Sokoto Operation Office of the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that six lives were lost in a boat mishap that happened on Friday in Garin-faji, Sabon-birni Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement released on Sunday, the agency revealed that 30 people were involved in the accident and 21 people, including 2 canoe operators, survived, while 6 dead bodies were recovered from the river, and three persons are yet to be found.

NEMA further revealed that the search and rescue operation is ongoing to find the three missing persons, and the six bodies recovered from the river have been buried according to Islamic rites.

It appealed to relevant authorities to ensure safety protocols are complied with on waterways.

“Also, we call on relevant regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over our waterways to enforce compliance with safety protocols and standards in the use of canoes and boats for transportation and commercial activities, particularly ensuring the use of life jackets by crew and passengers.

“Sokoto Operations Office is closely monitoring the search and rescue operations and will continue to bring updates on the incident.”