Again, NEMA, SOO Respond To Another Boat Mishap In Sokoto, Six Bodies Recovered, Three Missing

Stella Omona

Again, the National Emergency Management Agency
NEMA, SOO and other stakeholders have responded to the report of the mishap in Garin-faji, Sabon-birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A total of 30 persons were involved in canoe accident that happened on Friday.

As of Sunday, NEMA confirmed that out of the 30 persons involved in the accident, 21 survived including 2 canoe operators, 6 dead bodies were recovered from the river and 3 persons are still missing.

A statement by the NEMA Press unit
Headquarters, Abuja, Manzo Ezekiel on Sunday said that 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 2 canoe operators, 6 dead bodies were recovered from the river and 3 persons are still missing.

“Search and rescue operation is still ongoing to find the 3 missing persons. However, the 6 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, 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 of safety protocols and standard 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 update on the incident.