The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 41 persons and the recovery of four bodies from the recent boat mishap in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Friday signed by its Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel. It noted that the death toll rose to four after an additional body was recovered earlier in the day.

The deceased was buried immediately after funeral prayers in accordance with Islamic rites.

According to NEMA, the joint rescue team on Thursday, August 21, visited four affected villages Takuske, Kwakwazu, Bari, and Gamiha where most of the passengers on the ill-fated boat had resided.

“The visits provided an opportunity to verify the number of persons still missing and to commiserate with families who lost their loved ones. During the visits, it was also confirmed that 16 persons had survived the mishap,” the statement read.

NEMA further announced that the multi-agency search and rescue operation has now been officially concluded. The operation involved NEMA, Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Goronyo Local Government Authority, and local divers.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended the rescue team for their diligence, as well as the collective contributions of stakeholders in ensuring the operation’s success.

The tragic boat accident occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Kojiyo village, near the Goronyo Dam, leaving several families in mourning.