At least 40 people are feared dead after a boat carrying farmers and labourers capsized in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident occurred on Thursday as the passengers were reportedly travelling to their farms across a waterway.

Early reports indicated that about 40 people were on board, including men, women and children. However, later reports from officials and residents put the number of people on the boat higher.

Children among victims

Most of those on board were reportedly travelling to their farms as the rainy season continues across the region.

Residents said several children were among the passengers.

The boat capsized while crossing the waterway, throwing passengers into the river.

Rescue operations were launched following the incident as authorities and local residents searched for survivors and recovered bodies.

Death toll remains subject to confirmation

The number of victims has continued to vary as rescue teams assess the scene.

Officials have confirmed multiple deaths, while local reports have put the number of people feared dead at more than 40.

The National Inland Waterways Authority has also been involved in the response.

Authorities are expected to provide a clearer account of the number of passengers, survivors and victims as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Another boat tragedy raises safety concerns

The Sokoto accident comes only days after another canoe accident in Niger State in which five farmers were feared dead after their canoe capsized while they were travelling to their farmland.

Boat accidents remain a recurring concern across Nigeria’s inland waterways, particularly during the rainy season.

Safety officials have previously identified overcrowding, poor compliance with safety requirements and failure to use life jackets as major factors contributing to boat accidents.

The latest tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of rural communities that depend on waterways to reach farms and other destinations.

As rescue operations continue in Goronyo, families and residents are waiting for authorities to establish the full number of people who were on board and account for those who remain missing.