The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto Operations Office (SOO), and other stakeholders have responded to the report of the boat mishap in Garin-faji, Sabon-birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Recall that a total of 30 people were involved in a canoe accident that happened on Friday.
NEMA as of Sunday, confirmed that out of the 30 persons involved in the accident, 21 survived, including two canoe operators. Six dead bodies were recovered from the river, and three persons are still missing.
A statement by the NEMA press unit Headquarters, Abuja, Manzo Ezekiel on Sunday said that the search and rescue operation is still ongoing to find the three missing persons.
“So far, out of the 30 persons involved in the accident, 21 survived, including two canoe operators; six dead bodies were recovered from the river, and three persons are still missing.
“Search and rescue operation is still ongoing to find the three missing persons. However, the six bodies recovered from the water were already buried according to Islamic rite before the arrival of the joint team to the village.
“NEMA, SOO responded to the report of the mishap yesterday alongside other stakeholders which include, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), SEMA, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Red Cross, Sokoto State Ministry of Works, member representing Sabon-birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly in the company of officials of the local government council and traditional leaders.
“Also, we call on relevant regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over our waterways to enforce compliance with safety protocols and standards in the use of canoes and boats for transportation and commercial activities, particularly ensuring the use of life jackets by crew and passengers.”
The statement noted that the Sokoto Operations Office is closely monitoring the search and rescue operations and will continue to bring updates on the incident.
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