Boat mishap claims over 40 lives in Sokoto

The people of Gorau, an aggrarian community in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been thrown into mourning following a boat accident that claimed many lives.

Head of Operation National Emergency Management Agency NEMA in charge of Sokoto Zonal office Malam Tukur confirmed the incident.

He said details of the incident are still sketchy as security situation has hindered humanitarian workers from accessing the area.

He said NEMA with officials of the National Inland Water Ways and State Emergency agencies are on their way to the community where an early morning bandits attack slowed down the journey to the affected community.

Local sources said the boat was carrying about 40 passengers, including men, and women with majority of its occupants said to be children between the ages of 10-15 when the boat capsized.

Spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, Superintendent of Police, Ahmad Rufai when contacted said the command will issue a statement on the development soon.