Tragedy in Sokoto: Seven D!e in Canoe Mishap on Their Way to Gwargawu Village – Government Issues Safety Warning
A heartbreaking tragedy occurred on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Sokoto State, as seven individuals lost their lives in a canoe accident while travelling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Kambama Ward, located within Shagari Local Government Area. This tragic incident has thrown the local community into mourning and raised renewed concerns about waterway transportation safety in northern Nigeria.
According to eyewitness reports and statements from state officials, the victims were attempting to cross a local waterway—a common mode of travel in riverine areas of Sokoto—when their canoe tragically capsized, claiming the lives of all on board.
All seven of the deceased were natives of Gidan Husaini, a close-knit rural community that relies heavily on canoe transportation to connect with neighbouring villages for trade, education, and daily needs. Their untimely deaths have plunged their village and the larger Shagari LGA into grief.
Sokoto State Government Mourns: “A Monumental Loss for the Entire State”
Reacting swiftly to the sad incident, the Sokoto State Government dispatched a delegation to condole with the grieving families and community. Leading the team on behalf of the state government was Commissioner for Finance, Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
In a heartfelt statement during the condolence visit, Commissioner Shagari said:
“This incident is not only heartbreaking for the people of Shagari but also a monumental loss for the entire state and the wider Muslim ummah.”
His words resonated with many across Sokoto State and the broader Islamic community in Nigeria, especially as the tragedy struck shortly after the Eid season when many Muslims were still celebrating.
Commissioner Shagari extended prayers for the souls of the deceased, calling on Almighty Allah to grant them forgiveness and eternal rest in paradise.
“We offer heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased. May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.”
Cause of the Canoe Accident: Local Concerns Over Water Travel Safety
Although the specific cause of the accident is still under investigation by local authorities, community members and emergency responders have identified a few common risk factors that often contribute to such mishaps. These include:
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Overloading of canoes
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Absence of lifejackets
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Poor weather conditions
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Unskilled or reckless canoe operators
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Lack of regulatory oversight on local water transport systems
According to locals, canoe transportation remains essential in Gidan Husaini and neighbouring villages due to the limited number of bridges and accessible road networks. As such, despite the dangers, many villagers are left with no safer alternatives.
Unfortunately, safety practices like wearing lifejackets are often ignored, either due to ignorance, cost, or a general underestimation of the risks involved.
Government Issues Strong Safety Advisory for Waterway Travellers
Commissioner Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari took the tragic moment as an opportunity to issue a strong public advisory aimed at preventing future disasters of this nature. Speaking to the press and local community members, he emphasized the importance of safety consciousness when travelling on water.
“I urge all canoe and boat passengers to always wear lifejackets. Such a simple precaution can be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident,” Shagari said.
He stressed that wearing a lifejacket is not a luxury, but a life-saving necessity. His message was particularly targeted at communities in riverine areas who rely on canoe transportation but often overlook crucial safety measures.
In addition, he directed his message toward canoe and boat operators themselves, warning them to stop overloading their vessels, a reckless and widespread practice that significantly increases the risk of capsizing.
“We caution all canoe and boat operators against overloading. This practice is extremely dangerous and must be stopped to save lives,” he said.
Community Grief and the Call for Support
As news of the tragedy spread, it was met with deep sorrow across the state. Many community members gathered in Gidan Husaini to mourn the deceased, hold prayer sessions, and provide support to the bereaved families.
Local leaders and traditional rulers have also called on both government agencies and humanitarian organizations to assist the affected families, many of whom lost breadwinners and key family members in the incident.
Canoe Accidents in Nigeria: A Growing Safety Concern
This latest incident in Shagari LGA is a painful reminder of the growing number of boat and canoe accidents in Nigeria, especially in northern and riverine states like Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Bayelsa, and Lagos.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several deadly accidents on waterways due to neglect of safety regulations, poorly constructed boats, overloading, and lack of emergency response systems.
According to recent data:
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Over 300 lives were lost in boat accidents across Nigeria in 2024 alone.
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Less than 20% of waterway passengers wear lifejackets.
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Many operators lack formal training or licenses.
While efforts have been made by some state governments and agencies like the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to promote water safety, enforcement remains weak in many rural areas.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Safety and Infrastructure
The Sokoto State Government, in light of this tragedy, has reiterated its commitment to improving transportation safety across the state, particularly in rural and riverine communities. However, experts argue that more needs to be done, including:
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Providing subsidised lifejackets to rural communities.
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Training and certifying canoe operators.
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Constructing small bridges or alternative transport routes where possible.
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Enforcing stricter penalties for overloaded boats.
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Public awareness campaigns on water safety.
With the rainy season fast approaching, the risk of water-related accidents is expected to rise. Communities and governments alike must act quickly to prevent more unnecessary loss of life.
Final Thoughts: A Painful But Important Wake-Up Call
The death of seven innocent villagers in a canoe accident is more than just another sad headline—it is a call to action for all stakeholders in Sokoto State and across Nigeria. As families mourn their loved ones in Gidan Husaini, their tragic loss should inspire swift, decisive steps to make waterway travel safer for everyone.
At NaijaRush.com, we join the rest of the nation in mourning these departed souls and calling for increased safety measures across Nigeria’s waterways. May their souls rest in peace, and may their memory serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.
