40 Feared Drowned As Boat Capsizes In Sokoto

About 40 people are believed to have drowned after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Aug 20, 2026 - 21:50

40 Feared Drowned As Boat Capsizes In Sokoto

About 40 people are believed to have drowned after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms, even as those on board were reportedly children aged between 10 and 15 years.
Eyewitnesses said over 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.
The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.

A journalist, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, who was at the scene said, “So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued.”

Kiliya further said that, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.
According to him, “The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies.”