17 children going to fetch firewood die in Sokoto boat accident
![Sokoto boat mishap [Photo Credit: Dailypost]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/4D5DF932-73FF-4DBB-A54F-66437874EC1B.jpeg)
At least 17 died when a boat they were travelling in capsized in Dandeji river in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Council Chairman Aliyu Dantani confirmed the mishap on Tuesday.
The accident occurred on Tuesday morning and the corpses were evacuated by local divers and buried according to Islamic rite at about 2:30 p.m.
Mr Dantani explained that about 40 girls and boys were on their way to fetch firewood at a nearby bush when the boat capsized.
He said some of the passengers swam to safety while the search for others was ongoing.
A resident, Mamman Ibrahim, said the accident was reported by a canoe owner, adding that while 17 corpses were recovered, local divers are still searching for other victims.
A similar incident occurred on April 13, 2022 at Gidan Magana village where 29 persons, mostly teenagers, died.
The deceased were also on their way to fetch firewood, a traditional activity of children in the area, who are mostly out of school.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Maiduguri
Two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers apprehended in Yobe
The two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were arrested in Yobe on Tuesday.
States
NDC urges Gov Alia to probe blockade of Obi’s convoy in Benue
NDC condemned the blocking of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from accessing the Yelwata community in Benue to visit victims of recent killings.
Rights
Police investigate death of female guest at Calabar hotel
The police command in Cross River says it has begun an investigation into a suspected homicide involving a female guest at a hotel in Calabar.
Economy
BPP says transparent procurement system can attract FDI, boost economy
BPP says a transparent procurement system can attract foreign direct investment, boost economic growth and stimulate the development of domestic industries.
Abuja
NUJ mourns presidential media director Peter Onwubuariri
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (FCT council) described the death of Peter Onwubuariri, assistant director (media) at the Presidential Villa, as a huge loss.
World
Russia dismisses accusation of attempted Leipzig/Halle Airport drone attackÂ
The Russian Federation has refuted accusations by Germany linking Moscow to an attempted Leipzig/Halle Airport drone attack which occurred on August 4.
