The death toll from the boat accident at the Gorau crossing point in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State has risen to 53, following the recovery of more bodies from the river.
The incident occurred when a boat carrying passengers across the waterway reportedly capsized while travelling from Gorau to Birjingo. Earlier reports put the number of recovered bodies at 46, while several passengers were still missing as rescue operations continued.
According to reports from the area, the boat was carrying between 75 and 80 passengers, including farmers and labourers heading to rice farms. Many of those on board were reportedly children, with residents describing the tragedy as devastating for communities around Gorau.
Rescue teams and local divers have continued efforts to recover victims from the water, although operations have been affected by darkness and difficult conditions.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that bodies had been recovered but said the emergency response was still ongoing. The exact circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, although overloading has been identified as a possible contributing factor.
The latest casualty figure has deepened mourning across the affected communities as families continue to search for relatives who remain unaccounted for.
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