By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the recovery of three bodies in the ongoing search and rescue operation following Sunday’s fatal boat accident in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In a statement issued by NEMA spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel, the agency said the bodies were retrieved on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, from the river at Kojiyo, Bari and Wuci communities through the combined efforts of NEMA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local divers. The discovery brings the number of persons still missing to 22.
The Team Lead for the operation, Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, also secured the support of the 119 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force Disaster Response Unit (DRU). During a briefing, he urged the DRU Commander, Group Captain U.S. Maibuhu, to remain on standby and assist ongoing efforts as needed.
Officials say the operation has benefitted from effective dam management in the area, which has helped lower the river’s water level and made access easier for search teams. NEMA has assured the public that the rescue mission will be sustained and intensified until all victims are accounted for.
Updates will be made available as the operation progresses.
