The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 15 more individuals in the ongoing operation following a tragic boat mishap in Kojiyo village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. This brings the total number of survivors to 25, while 25 others remain missing.

In a statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, assured that rescue operations will be sustained and further intensified until all missing persons are located.

The ill-fated canoe, carrying over 50 passengers en route to Goronyo Market, capsized on Sunday. Initial operations resulted in the rescue of 10 passengers, with subsequent efforts yielding an additional 15 rescues. Authorities also recovered seven motorcycles from the river.

To enhance the effectiveness of the operation, the management of Goronyo Dam has temporarily closed the dam for two days, allowing divers and rescuers greater access to the affected area. The NEMA rescue team, led by Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, remains fully deployed at the scene, collaborating closely with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local divers.

Mrs. Zubaida Umar reiterated NEMA’s commitment to saving lives, supporting affected families, and providing timely updates to the public.