21.08.2026 11:11
In Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria, 52 people lost their lives when a boat carrying farmers and workers capsized.
At least 52 people have died after a boat carrying farmers and workers capsized in Sokoto state in northwestern Nigeria. Tukur Abubakar, head of operations in Sokoto for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the death toll as of this morning.
Abubakar stated that among the deceased were 11 people from the same family. The incident occurred on Thursday in the town of Gorau in the Goronyo area of Sokoto state.
BOAT CAPSIZED
The boat, carrying approximately 70 people, capsized while farmers and workers were crossing the waterway to reach rice fields.
In a previous statement, Nasiru Adamu, a member of the Sokoto State Assembly, had said that more than 40 people had died, rescue teams had saved 16 individuals, and most of the passengers on the boat were children aged between 10 and 15.
In Nigeria, boat accidents are frequent, especially during the rainy season, due to overloading, poor maintenance of vessels, and inadequate adherence to safety regulations.