10 confirmed dead, 29 missing after boat capsizes
A tragic boat mishap has once again thrown a northern Nigerian state into mourning after 10 passengers were confirmed dead and 29 others declared missing. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, around noon, when a boat capsised in Kojiyo Ward, Goronyo Local Government Area.
The state’s Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a devastating loss to the affected families and the state at large.
According to the Goronyo SEMA Desk Officer, the ill-fated boat was carrying about 45 passengers when it suddenly capsised mid-river. At the time of this report, six passengers had been rescued alive, while search and rescue operations continued for the 29 still unaccounted for.
“We can confirm that 10 lives have been lost so far. Six survivors are receiving medical attention, and our search teams are working tirelessly to locate those still missing,” a SEMA official said.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that overloading may have caused the accident, an all-too-common factor in similar tragedies across the region’s riverine communities. Authorities have repeatedly warned boat operators against exceeding capacity, but enforcement remains a major challenge.
In reaction, the state government, in collaboration with SEMA and other emergency agencies, has mobilised rescue and support teams to the area. The Special Adviser to the Governor on SEMA, Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, said the state was committed to both rescue efforts and long-term preventive measures.
“The State Government sympathises deeply with the bereaved families. We urge our communities to prioritise safety and strictly avoid overloading of boats. Protecting lives and property remains our utmost duty,” Bodinga stressed.
This latest mishap adds to the growing list of boat accidents in the region where waterways remain a major means of transportation.
A government official, Shehu Tureta, called for stricter enforcement of inland waterway regulations, improved safety awareness campaigns, and the provision of safer alternatives for rural dwellers.
SEMA reiterated its commitment to intensifying safety education in riverine communities while working closely with security and rescue agencies to minimise future disasters.
For now, rescue teams continue their frantic search for survivors, while grieving families await closure.
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