The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 16 people survived a tragic boat accident in Sokoto State, Nigeria, which occurred on Sunday, 17 August 2025.
According to the agency ,the mishap took place in the Kojiyo village area of the Goronyo Dam.
A joint rescue operation, involving NEMA, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local divers, was launched following the incident.
On Thursday, 21 August, the response team visited four villages—Taku ske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha—to verify the number of missing persons and support affected families.
During these visits, officials confirmed the survival of 16 individuals from the ill-fated boat.
The operation also recovered four bodies, with the most recent discovered on Thursday, raising the death toll to four.
A funeral prayer was held for the latest victim in line with Islamic rites, and the body was immediately laid to rest.
NEMA announced on Friday that the multi-agency search and rescue mission has now been officially concluded.
Zubaida Umar, NEMA’s Director General, commended the rescue team for their tireless efforts and the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with authorities yet to provide further details.
