The joint search and rescue operation in Goronyo, Sokoto State, has officially concluded with the confirmation of four fatalities and the rescue of 41 persons following last Sunday’s tragic boat mishap at Kojiyo village area of the Goronyo Dam.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced on Thursday that an additional body was recovered earlier in the day, raising the death toll to four. The deceased was immediately laid to rest after funeral prayers conducted in line with Islamic rites.
As part of Thursday’s operation, the response team visited Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha villages—home to many of the victims—to verify the number of persons still missing and to sympathize with affected families. It was also confirmed that 16 people had survived the accident.
The multi-agency operation, which has now been concluded, involved NEMA, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local community divers.
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Commending the coordinated efforts, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, lauded the diligence of the rescue team and the solidarity shown by all stakeholders.
The boat accident, which occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, has left the Goronyo community in mourning as families grapple with the loss of their loved ones.
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