By: Zagazola Makama
Funeral prayers have been conducted for victims of the boat accident that claimed dozens of lives at the Gorau crossing point in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The development followed the recovery of bodies from the river after a passenger boat carrying scores of people capsized while crossing the waterway.
Local reports initially put the number of recovered bodies at 48, prompting communities to gather for funeral rites in accordance with Islamic tradition. However, the latest reports indicate that the death toll has since risen to 53 following the recovery of additional bodies from the river.
The boat was reportedly carrying between 75 and 80 passengers, including the village head of Nabatsami Gorau, when it suddenly capsized and threw passengers into the water.
Earlier accounts said many of those aboard were women and children travelling to farms across the waterway. Sources said that the boat appeared to have been overloaded and sank shortly after setting out.
Rescue operations have involved personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), security agencies, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and local divers.
NEMA officials have confirmed the recovery of bodies but have been cautious about giving a final casualty figure while search and rescue operations continue.
Authorities are also working to establish the actual number of passengers who boarded the boat before the accident, with the passenger manifest considered important to determining the number of people still missing.
The tragedy has thrown communities around Gorau into mourning, as families continue to search for information about relatives who may have been on board.
The incident has also renewed concerns over safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, particularly the use of overloaded or poorly equipped boats, inadequate enforcement of passenger limits and the failure to ensure that passengers are provided with life jackets.
Residents and emergency responders have called for stronger enforcement of waterway safety regulations to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.
As grieving families continue to bury their loved ones, prayers have been offered for the deceased.
