The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed another fatal boat mishap in the Faji community of the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

NIWA’s area manager in Sokoto, Bala Bello, told journalists on Sunday in Sokoto that six people died, 19 survivors were rescued, and three people were still missing in the fresh mishap.

Mr Bello, who said the incident occurred on August 22, attributed it to negligence, canoe overloading, and safety rule violations.

He explained that a team of inspectors comprising officials from NIWA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Red Cross Society had visited the affected community.

Mr Bello said the team confirmed the casualty figures while search and rescue operations were ongoing to locate the three missing persons.

The area manager reiterated that NIWA has been engaging with riverine communities on safety measures, guidelines, the use of life jackets, and other considerations on water usage.

The Sokoto State government confirmed the death of four passengers, 41 survivors, and five missing persons in a boat mishap on August 17  at Kojiyo village in the Goronyo local government area in the state.

The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred along the Sokoto Rima River when the boat conveying the passengers capsized. 

(NAN)