Another boat accident has rocked Sokoto State, claiming one life and leaving an 80-year-old woman missing, with nine others rescued in Shagari Local Government Area. The mishap adds to the growing number of water transport tragedies in the state, sparking renewed concern among residents.
The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, August 29, 2025, when a boat carrying 11 passengers capsized while crossing the river from Tudun Launa to Ruggar Buda. The passengers were returning from a market trip in Yabo Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the boat appeared overloaded and was struggling against strong currents when it lost balance and overturned. The rescue effort, involving NEMA, NIWA, and SEMA, led to the recovery of the body of 29-year-old Salmanu Muhammad Lambara, while nine others, including the operator, were saved.
Hajiya Hajara, an 80-year-old woman from Malam Gero Lambara, remains missing. Search efforts are ongoing.
Abubakar Jabbi Lambara, a former councillor of the area, confirmed the incident occurred between 7 and 8 pm, under poor visibility and dangerous water conditions. Locals assisted in the initial rescue before emergency teams arrived.
The tragic boat accident has plunged Lambara and neighboring communities into deep mourning, as residents decry the rising frequency of such incidents. Grieving families voiced frustration over the government’s failure to implement effective measures to curb the repeated loss of lives on the state’s waterways.
Emergency responders at the scene highlighted key safety challenges, including the lack of motorized boats and life jackets. They stressed that many rural dwellers still depend on handmade wooden canoes for daily river crossings, increasing their vulnerability.
This marks the third boat accident in Sokoto State within a month, heightening the urgency for swift and concrete government action. Residents and local leaders are now calling for safer transport options, stricter regulation of night travel, and mandatory safety gear for operators.
Meanwhile, search efforts continue for the missing 80-year-old woman. Emergency teams have pledged to remain on site until her fate is determined and the operation is fully concluded.
