More than 40 people are feared dead after a boat carrying farmers and farm labourers capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The victims were reportedly travelling across a stream to reach their rice farms when the canoe overturned shortly after setting off.
According to eyewitnesses, a large number of those aboard the boat were teenagers, with many reportedly between 10 and 15 years old.
The village head was also said to have been among the passengers but was rescued following the accident.
An eyewitness said about 40 bodies had been recovered as of the time of reporting, while six people, including the village head, were rescued.
“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” the eyewitness said.
The eyewitness added that those on board included rice farm owners and labourers hired to assist with the harvest.
He said the canoe overturned shortly after leaving the departure point, triggering an ongoing search for passengers who remain missing.
Local divers have reportedly joined the rescue operation, searching the waterway for additional victims and recovering bodies.
The exact cause of the boat accident was not immediately established as rescue efforts continued.
Authorities are yet to provide a comprehensive official account of the incident or confirm the final number of casualties. Rescue workers and local residents remain involved in efforts to locate those still missing.
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