Six people have died and three others remain missing after a canoe accident in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria.
The mishap occurred on Friday in the village of Garin-Faji when a canoe carrying 30 passengers capsized in the river.
NEMA confirmed that 21 people survived, including two operators of the canoe.
Six bodies were later recovered from the water and buried according to Islamic rites before emergency responders arrived.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said rescue efforts are still underway to locate the three missing passengers.
A joint response team, including NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Army, Red Cross, and traditional leaders, visited the community to support the rescue mission.
Officials said they are monitoring the operation closely and will provide updates as search efforts continue.
Community leaders expressed grief, saying the tragedy had left families in mourning and deep shock.
NEMA urged authorities to enforce safety protocols on waterways, particularly the mandatory use of life jackets by passengers and crew.
Boat accidents are common in Nigeria’s rural communities where residents often rely on canoes for transport and trade, despite poor safety standards.
