The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday confirmed the recovery of three more bodies in the ongoing search and rescue operations following the tragic boat crash that occurred on Sunday in the Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, bringing the total number of persons recovered to 28.
This was disclosed by the agency’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, in a press statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the bodies were retrieved on Tuesday from the river at Kojiyo, Bari, and Wuci communities through the combined efforts of NEMA, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, and local divers.
With this development, 22 persons remain missing. On Sunday, authorities reported that 25 persons were missing and another 25 had been rescued.
“Earlier today, the NEMA Team Lead, Mr. Aliyu Kafindangi, secured the support of the 119 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force Disaster Response Unit. Mr. Kafindangi briefed the Commander, Group Captain US Maibuhu, on the incident and called on the DRU to remain vigilant.
“The rescue operation has been aided by dam management efforts, which have held back the waters and significantly reduced the river’s water level, improving search effectiveness.
“NEMA assures the public that search and rescue operations will continue and intensified. Further updates will be provided as they become available,” it concluded.
