Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Thursday evening as a boat carrying mostly women capsized, leaving many feared dead. The incident occurred at about 7:30 pm while the passengers were reportedly trying to escape a bandit attack.
According to eyewitnesses, the boat was overloaded and moving in a hurry when it hit the edge of a culvert and overturned, throwing all occupants into the water.
The accident took place in one of the rural riverine areas of the state, known to have limited road access. Many residents often rely on boats as their only means of transportation, especially during emergencies.
Authorities say the passengers were fleeing from a nearby village under attack by armed bandits when the tragic incident occurred. While the exact number of people on board has not been confirmed, local sources say the boat was carrying mostly women and children.
As of the time of this report, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts being coordinated by local divers, security personnel, and community volunteers.
A senior official in the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said that rescue teams had been deployed immediately.
“We have mobilised local divers and other rescue workers to the scene. Unfortunately, many people are feared to have drowned,” the official said. “We are still trying to confirm the number of survivors and casualties.”
Sokoto State, like several parts of the North-West region, has faced growing insecurity in recent years, with frequent attacks by armed bandits who target rural communities, often leading to displacement, abductions, and loss of lives.
This latest tragedy adds to the rising number of boat accidents in Nigeria, especially in northern states where water transport is commonly used due to poor road infrastructure.
