Sokoto State was thrown into mourning on Thursday evening following another boat accident in Shagari Local Government Area, where scores of passengers were feared dead.
The incident is the third boat accident recorded in Sokoto within one month.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on the State Emergency Management Agency, Aminu Liman Bodinga, said officials from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the National Inland Waterways Authority have commenced search and rescue operations.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the boat, laden with several passengers, capsized mid-river, throwing all occupants into the water.
While the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, local sources suggest that many lives may have been lost.
Residents and experts blame the recurring accidents on poor safety measures, lack of motorised boats, and the absence of life jackets for passengers.
They have renewed calls on government authorities to take urgent steps in enforcing safety standards and providing modern transport facilities.
The Sokoto State Government is expected to issue an official statement after rescue operations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Shagari and neighbouring communities remains tense as families anxiously await news of their loved ones.
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