Sokoto Boat Tragedy: 26 Rescued as Search Continues for Dozens Missing on Rima River

Authorities suspend Goronyo Dam water release to aid ongoing rescue operations

📚 Get "Spend Less, Save More" — Click here

By A1 News Desk | Abuja, Nigeria | August 19, 2025

At least 26 passengers have been rescued following a boat capsizing on the Rima River in Sokoto, while dozens remain unaccounted for. Local divers, led by the Sarkin Ruwas, continue recovery operations as authorities take steps to reduce river water levels to assist search efforts.

Rescue Operations Underway
Sokoto officials confirmed that 25 men and one woman have been pulled from the river. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) initially estimated around 40 fatalities, but authorities caution that the numbers of missing are yet unconfirmed.

Water Levels Lowered to Aid Recovery
The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA) has temporarily suspended water release from the Goronyo Dam for two days to reduce water flow and support the ongoing search. Rescue divers and local volunteers are combing the river for survivors, while families anxiously await updates along the riverbanks.

Recurring Boat Accidents in Northern Nigeria
The incident highlights persistent waterway safety challenges. Similar tragedies have claimed lives in the region, including:

August 2024: 16 farmers killed after a canoe capsized in Sokoto.
May 2024: 27 fatalities in Gbajibo community, Kwara State.
October 2023: At least 100 deaths in a Kwara boat mishap.

Lawmaker Gorau described the tragedy as preventable, citing poor safety standards and lack of adherence to regulations in local water transport. Authorities have urged all stakeholders—government agencies, community leaders, and passengers—to prioritize waterway safety to prevent further loss of life.

📚 Get "Spend Less, Save More" — Click here

Local Divers Lead Search and Rescue
Rescuers work tirelessly to locate survivors amid strong river currents.

Temporary Suspension of Dam Release Supports Recovery
Authorities reduce water flow to aid ongoing operations and enhance safety.

Repeated Boat Mishaps Raise Safety Concerns
Calls for stricter enforcement of water transport safety standards intensify.

Nigeria’s waterways remain a high-risk transport route, with repeated accidents threatening lives and livelihoods. Strengthening safety measures, enforcing regulations, and improving emergency response capacity are critical to preventing further tragedies.