A passenger boat overturned in Kojiyo Ward, Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, causing panic as many passengers were feared dead or missing.

The boat, carrying dozens of residents across the river, sank in the middle of its journey on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

An eyewitness, Abubakar, reported that the accident led to multiple casualties, while many passengers were still unaccounted for as rescue teams worked late into the evening.

The Sokoto office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident and said it has sent a response team to assist with the ongoing rescue efforts.

According to NEMA, Director General Zubaida Umar activated the agency’s emergency response immediately after receiving news that a boat carrying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had capsized.

“At the moment, 10 people have been rescued, but more than 40 are still missing. NEMA, working together with local authorities and emergency responders, is intensifying efforts to locate those who are unaccounted for,” the agency stated.