A former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and the Chairman, Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mukhtar Shagari, have expressed grief over the boat accident in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed 41 lives.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

The incident occurred on Thursday when a boat carrying passengers capsized in the community.

According to the National Inland Waterways Authority, 41 people lost their lives while 14 others were rescued following the accident.

Reacting to the tragedy in a statement issued by his media office and posted on his verified X handle, Tambuwal described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and condoled with the bereaved families and the entire Gorau community.

📌 Key Details

Reacting to the tragedy in a statement issued by his media office and posted on his verified X handle, Tambuwal described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and condoled with the bereaved families and the entire Gorau community.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred earlier today in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed the lives of 41 people, while 11 others were rescued,” Tambuwal said.

The former Senator representing Sokoto South commended local residents, rescuers and emergency responders who participated in the search-and-rescue operation, describing their efforts as crucial in responding to the disaster.

Tambuwal also called for an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mishap, stressing the need for stronger safety measures to prevent similar tragedies on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

He urged relevant authorities to ensure that safety regulations governing boat operations are strictly enforced, particularly in communities where residents rely heavily on waterways for transportation.

Similarly, Shagari, in a condolence statement signed by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, described the incident as a “painful and devastating tragedy,” saying the loss of innocent lives was deeply distressing to the people of Sokoto State and the affected families.

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria