The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 15 more persons in the ongoing operations following the boat mishap in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

 

With the latest effort, the total number of survivors has risen to 25, while 25 other passengers remain unaccounted for.

 

The canoe, carrying about 50 traders to the Goronyo market, capsized on Sunday.

 

NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, assured that the rescue operations would be sustained and intensified until all missing persons are found.

 

Initial efforts led to the rescue of 10 passengers, before an additional 15 were pulled out alive. Authorities have also recovered seven motorcycles from the river.

 

To aid the mission, the management of the Goronyo Dam temporarily shut down the facility for two days, granting divers and rescuers better access to the affected area.

 

According to NEMA, its Sokoto Operations Head, Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, is leading the team on-site in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government, and local divers.

 

The DG reiterated NEMA’s commitment to saving lives, supporting affected families, and providing timely updates to the public.