The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo, has expressed grief over the reported death of about 40 passengers in a boat mishap at Gorau community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Adebayo, in a condolence message issued on Saturday, described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy” that had plunged the affected families and the community into mourning.

He commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of Goronyo and the Sokoto State Government, while urging authorities to intensify rescue and recovery operations.

Reports indicate that the boat, said to be carrying about 40 passengers, including men, women and children, capsized on Thursday. Rescue operations were reportedly still ongoing, with the exact number of casualties yet to be officially established.

Adebayo said the reported loss of lives in the incident was devastating and should not be treated as another unfortunate accident.

He commended rescuers, local fishermen, community members and others involved in the search and recovery efforts, urging authorities to intensify efforts to account for all those who were on board.

The SDP candidate expressed concern over the recurrence of fatal boat accidents in Sokoto State, noting that the latest incident occurred barely a year after another boat mishap claimed 10 lives.

In September 2025, a boat carrying residents of Zalla-Bango village, who were reportedly fleeing armed bandits, capsized in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state, resulting in the drowning of all 10 passengers on board.

Adebayo said the recurrence of deadly boat mishaps should compel the government to take urgent and concrete steps to improve water transportation safety across the country.

“Beyond condolences, we must learn from such tragedies and take concrete measures to prevent avoidable deaths. The safety of Nigerians travelling by waterways must receive the same seriousness accorded to other forms of transportation,” he said.

He called for stronger safety regulations, improved monitoring of boats and waterways, and the provision of adequate emergency response mechanisms to protect passengers.

Adebayo prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died and urged God to grant their families and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.