By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Not less than 56 dead bodies have so far been recovered and 15 others rescued alive from the boat mishap that happened Thursday in Gorau village of Goronyo local government area in Sokoto State, reliable source have confirmed.
The source, who is a retired Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service also informed our Correspondent that search is still ongoing as they have pleaded with the management of Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SSRRBDA) to help shut down the flow of the dam to enable water level reduction.
“We have pleaded with the management of the Gorongo Dam to help us close the dam flow to reduce the water level as the search continues.
“It’s really an unfortunate incident. As I am talking to you now, total dead bodies recovered so far stand at 56 while those rescued alive are 15 including the village head. The search is still ongoing”, the retired Permanent Secretary added.
Speaking on the possible number of those that boarded the ill-fated boat, one of the rescuers, Isah Ibrahim said they were over 70 including children between the ages of 10 to 15 all heading towards their rice farms.
Recall that the head of the Sokoto Operation of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Tukur Abubakar had confirmed the incident, calling it a very unfortunate one.
“It is true that the boat unfortunately capsized and there are reported fatalities. However, we cannot ascertain the actual number of casualties at the moment as our men are on their way for rescue.
“I am together with the officials of the Sokoto State National Inland Waterways Authority and other emergency responders. We will give detailed update shortly”, Tukur assured as of Thursday.
Meanwhile, the member representing Goronyo/Gada federal constituency, Hon. Usman Gorau, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship candidate, Manir Dan’Iya and the Chairman, Governing Board of the National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari have all separately commiserated with the state government, the immediate community as well as families who lost their beloved ones in the boat mishap.
