By Miriam Humbe
The joint response team has confirmed the rescue of 41 persons and four deaths from the recent boat mishap in Goronyo, Sokoto State.
The increase in fatalities followed the recovery of an additional body earlier today.
A funeral prayer was observed in line with Islamic rites, and the body was immediately laid to rest.
As part of the Thursday 21st August, 2025 rescue operations, the response team visited four villages: Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari and Gamiha, where many of the passengers of the ill-fated boat were said to have resided.
The visits provided an opportunity to verify the number of persons still missing and to commiserate with families who lost their loved ones.
During the visits, it was also confirmed that 16 persons had survived the mishap.
Following these developments, the multi-agency search and rescue operation has been officially concluded.
The operation was jointly conducted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and community divers.
Meanwhile, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has commended the rescue team for their diligence and the collective efforts of all stakeholders towards the success of the operation.
It will be recalled that the tragic boat mishap occurred on Sunday, 17th August 2025, at Kojiyo village area of the Goronyo Dam, Sokoto State.
