Timelines of major boat accidents in Sokoto
August 5, 2020 – Birjingo, Goronyo LGA At least nine people were feared dead after an overloaded boat carrying more than 30 passengers capsized at Birjingo. Most of the victims were women and children, including a bride-to-be and her mother. The passengers were travelling to a rice farm across the river. More than 50 local […]
Boat accidents have repeatedly occurred in Sokoto region over the past years, with fatalities ranging from four to over 50 people. The majority of victims are women, children, and elderly individuals.
In August 2020, a boat carrying more than 30 passengers capsized near Birjingo, resulting in at least nine deaths, mostly of women and children. Over 50 local divers participated in the rescue mission.
On June 3, 2021, a boat traveling from Doruwa to Ginga capsized in Shagari LGA, claiming the lives of thirteen people, including eight married women, children, and elderly men. The local government chairman blamed the tragedy on overloading. All bodies were recovered and buried according to Islamic customs.
April 13, 2022, saw a boat accident in Gidan Magana that claimed 29 lives. Most victims were children aged between nine and 17 traveling to fetch firewood, with a bride-to-be among the dead. Six passengers survived the incident.
In May 2023, a boat carrying more than 40 girls capsized while they were on their way to fetch firewood in Dandeji. Local divers recovered 15 bodies, and search operations continued for other victims.
August 2024 brought another boat accident in Dundaye, Wamakko LGA, where a canoe carrying farmers capsized while headed to farms in Gangar Fadama. NEMA reported that 24 people were involved, with 19 rescued alive, four dying, and one remaining missing.
December 21, 2024, brought a tragic incident in Tangwale, Dundaye District, where a boat carrying 35 passengers capsized, resulting in one death and 34 survivors. Local divers recovered the victim's body.
In June 2025, a canoe carrying nine passengers overturned while crossing a river in Rinaye, Shagari LGA. Seven people, including two children, three married women, and two adults, were killed. Officials warned boat operators against overloading.
On August 17, 2025, a boat carrying 51 passengers, goods, and motorcycles capsized in Kojiyo, Goronyo LGA while traders were traveling to the weekly Goronyo market. By the next day, 26 people had been rescued, while 25 remained missing as search and rescue operations continued.
A second boat accident occurred on August 28, 2025, in Lambara, Shagari LGA, claiming two lives as villagers returned from a weekly market in the neighboring Yabo LGA. This marked the third boat accident in Sokoto that month.
Lastly, on August 24, 2025, a boat mishap in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni LGA left at least six people dead and three others reported missing. The incident happened as residents fled an attack by suspected bandits. September 19, 2025, saw another boat accident in Zalla Bango, Sabon Birni LGA, where several people were reportedly killed while residents attempted to escape renewed bandit attacks in the area.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
