The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Sokoto Operations Office (SOO) have confirmed their response to a canoe accident that occurred on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Garin-Faji, Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to NEMA, 30 persons were involved in the mishap. Twenty-one survivors, including two canoe operators, were rescued, while six bodies were recovered from the river. Three persons remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
The agency noted that the recovered bodies had already been buried in line with Islamic rites before the joint response team arrived in the community.
The rescue effort was carried out by NEMA and SOO in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Red Cross, Sokoto State Ministry of Works, the member representing Sabon-Birni at the State House of Assembly, as well as local government officials and traditional leaders.
NEMA has urged relevant regulatory authorities to strictly enforce safety standards on waterways, particularly the mandatory use of life jackets by passengers and crew to reduce risks during transportation.
The Sokoto Operations Office said it is closely monitoring the ongoing search and rescue operations and will continue to provide updates on the incident.
