At least 46 people have died after a boat carrying more than 70 passengers capsized in Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, according to local officials. The boat was believed to be carrying predominantly children who were heading to work on a rice harvest.
Search operations are ongoing for the 15 people still missing. Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai stated that 16 individuals were recovered safely. The remote location of the incident, Gorau in Gorony, has made access difficult for emergency services.
Witnesses reported seeing approximately 50 bodies near a community mosque before a burial. The victims were reportedly travelling with farm owners and laborers.
Boat accidents are a recurring issue in Nigeria, often attributed to overcrowding, poorly maintained vessels, and weak enforcement of safety regulations. In January, 26 people drowned when a boat carrying farmers and fishermen capsized. Last month, five people died in a similar incident in Jigawa state. In December 2024, 54 bodies were recovered from the River Niger after a boat carrying an estimated 200 passengers capsized.
Authorities have previously recommended measures such as providing safer boats, life jackets, dredging waterways, and ensuring boat operators are trained and licensed. However, the implementation and enforcement of these safety measures have been inconsistent.
For many rural Nigerians, rivers serve as crucial transportation routes due to poor road infrastructure and a lack of bridges. Wooden boats are commonly used to transport people and goods to markets and neighboring communities.