13 die in Sokoto boat accident

Thirteen persons, including women and children, have been killed in a boat accident that occurred in the Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Thursday.

The victims were said to be travelling from Doruwa to Ginga when the boat capsized.

Chairman of the local government council, Alhajo Aliyu Dantine Shagari, said eight of the victims were women and the remaining five were children and elderly men.

He said that the boat might be overloaded.

He said, “There are other causes of boat mishap including strong wind. We are still investigating the matter to know what actually led to the accident.”

He said all the bodies of the victims had been recovered and buried in line with the Islamic rites.

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, condoling the people of Shagari, promised to provide them with motorised boats and life jackets.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, described the deaths of the 13 persons as very shocking and saddening.

He lamented that the mishap occurred barely nine days after the deaths of over 100 persons in a similar tragedy in the Warrah Local Government of Kebbi State.

He prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant the deceased persons Aljannat Firdaus, as well as give the bereaved families and governments of Shagari Local Government and Sokoto State the formidable fortitude to bear the loss.