The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 41 persons and recovery of four bodies from the recent boat mishap at Goronyo, Sokoto State.
In a statement issued on Friday by Manzo Ezekiel, Head of Press Unit at NEMA, the agency disclosed that the latest fatality was discovered earlier in the day and buried immediately in accordance with Islamic rites after a funeral prayer.
The agency explained that the joint response team visited Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha communities home to many victims of the incident to verify missing persons and console affected families. The visits also confirmed that 16 people survived the accident.
“Following these developments, the multi-agency search and rescue operation has been officially concluded. The operation was jointly conducted by NEMA, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and community divers,” the statement read.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the operation.
The tragic mishap occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Kojiyo area of Goronyo Dam.