By Sunday Ani
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Adewole Adebayo, has expressed deep sorrow over the reported death of about 40 passengers in a boat mishap in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In a condolence message, he described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that had plunged families and the entire community into grief.
He commiserated with the families of the victims, the people of Goronyo and the Sokoto State Government, urging authorities to intensify rescue and recovery efforts.
According to reports, the boat, which was carrying about 40 passengers, including men, women and children, capsized on Thursday. Rescue operations were reportedly still ongoing with the exact number of casualties yet to be officially confirmed.
Adebayo said the loss of so many lives in a single incident was devastating, stressing that the tragedy should not be treated merely as another unfortunate accident.
He commended rescuers, local fishermen, community members and others involved in the search and recovery efforts, while calling on relevant authorities to do everything possible to account for the victims.
He also expressed concern that the incident occurred barely a year after another boat mishap in Sokoto claimed 10 lives.
In September 2025, a boat carrying residents of Zalla-Bango village who were reportedly fleeing armed bandits capsized in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, resulting in the drowning of all 10 passengers on board.
Adebayo said the recurrence of deadly boat accidents in the state should compel the authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to strengthen water transportation safety.
“Beyond condolences, we must learn from such tragedies and take concrete measures to prevent avoidable deaths. The safety of Nigerians travelling by waterways must receive the same seriousness accorded to other forms of transportation,” he said.
He urged the government to strengthen safety regulations, improve monitoring of boats and waterways and ensure that adequate emergency response mechanisms were available to protect passengers.
Adebayo prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the tragedy and for God to grant their families and loved ones the strength to bear the painful loss.
(The Sun)