Tinubu, Tambuwal, Shagari Mourn 41 Goronyo Boat Mishap Victims, Demand Urgent Waterways Safety Reforms

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto 

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the boat mishap in Gorau Community of Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed many lives and left others missing.

In the vein, former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, have expressed deep grief over the boat mishap in Gorau community that claimed 41 lives on Thursday.

The tragedy, which occurred on the Rima River, has thrown the entire Goronyo community and Sokoto State into mourning. According to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) 14 persons were rescued from the capsized boat, while search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of Thursday evening.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the incident as a tragedy and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of Sokoto State.

“The news of this boat mishap deeply saddens me. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time. I pray that God grants the departed eternal rest and gives their loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Tinubu said.

The President also commended emergency responders and local authorities for their swift rescue and recovery efforts. 

He directed relevant federal agencies, including the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work closely with the Sokoto State Government to prevent a recurrence and to ensure safety standards on waterways are strictly enforced.

He further prayed for the quick recovery of those injured and assured the people of Sokoto of the Federal Government’s support at this trying moment.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle, Tambuwal described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” that has left many families shattered. He said the news of the loss was received with profound sadness.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat mishap that occurred earlier today in Gorau community, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which claimed the lives of 41 people, while 11 others were rescued,” the Senator stated.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their loved ones, and the people of Gorau community and Goronyo LGA. Tambuwal prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died and for fortitude for the bereaved.

The former governor also commended rescuers and emergency response teams for their efforts in saving lives and providing assistance to survivors. He noted that their swift intervention helped to reduce the scale of the disaster.

However, Tambuwal stressed that condolences alone were not enough. He called on relevant authorities to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the mishap and identify lapses that led to the loss of lives.

The Senator further urged the federal and state governments, through NIWA and other maritime agencies, to strengthen safety measures on the nation’s waterways.

According to him, enforcement of boat capacity limits, provision of life jackets, and regular safety sensitization must be prioritised to prevent a recurrence.

“May Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of those who lost their lives, grant them Aljannatul Firdausi, and give their families the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Tambuwal prayed.

Similarly, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Shagari, in a condolence statement made available to journalists in Sokoto by his Media Aide, Musa Ubandawaki, described the incident as a “painful and devastating tragedy.”

He said the loss of innocent lives was distressing to the Sokoto State Government, the people of Goronyo, and particularly the bereaved families and Gorau community.

“On behalf of the NIWA management and staff, the Board Chairman commiserated with the Sokoto State Government, Goronyo Local Government Council, traditional institutions, community leaders and families of the victims. He urged them to take solace in the will of Almighty Allah,” he said.

Shagari called on riverine communities nationwide to exercise extreme caution while using waterways.

He specifically warned against boat overloading, early-morning journeys when tides are high, and night-time boat operations where poor visibility poses grave danger to passengers.

He said the recurring loss of lives through avoidable boat mishaps should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. According to him, the government, operators and communities must redouble efforts to prevent further tragedies on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The NIWA Chairman disclosed that the Authority was intensifying efforts to improve safety standards across the country’s waterways. Part of the measures, he said, includes the planned phase-out of wooden boats as a strategy to strengthen navigation safety and protect passengers and operators.

He further urged state governments to establish stronger collaboration with NIWA offices in their states, noting that effective cooperation, information sharing and coordinated enforcement would significantly enhance safety and reduce accidents.

The Board Chairman also called on citizens, boat operators and riverine communities to support federal government initiatives aimed at making inland waterways safer. He stressed that government policies can only succeed when there is full compliance with established safety regulations.

Shagari prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant them eternal rest, and give their families the strength to bear the loss. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of injured victims and urged rescue teams to sustain efforts until all possible victims are accounted for.