Boat Mishap: One Dead, 21 Missing in Sokoto

At least one person lost his life, while 21 others were still missing when a canoe carrying 30 passengers capsized in the Bafarawa River in Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.

THISDAY checks revealed that the incident occurred on Saturday when the passengers from Modaci and Bafarawa villages were heading to Isa town.

It was also gathered that local divers recovered one corpse, rescued eight persons and were currently searching for 21 persons.

The Director General , Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ibrahim Dingyadi, confirmed the incident to journalists in Sokoto yesterday.

He said officials of Isa Local Government Area had already informed the agency about the incident, adding that necessary arrangements were made to rescue the remaining persons.

He stated that SEMA officials had joined the local government workers and local divers searching for the remaining 21 persons.

Dinggyadi explained that the residents of the area use small boats for transportation and overload them.

He cautioned residents of the area against using small boats in view of the heavy rains.

The SEMA offcial added that the state government was doing its best to rescue the victims and also assist their families.

Meanwhile, the victim of the incident had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites in the area.