A devastating canoe accident occurred on Monday in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of seven commuters. The victims were traveling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Kambama Ward when the incident happened, sending shockwaves throughout the community.
According to local authorities, the victims, all hailing from Gidan Husaini village, were crossing a local waterway when the canoe accident occurred. The identities of the deceased have not been publicly released.
The Sokoto State Government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. The Commissioner for Finance, Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari, led a delegation to Gidan Husaini on Tuesday to offer words of comfort to the grieving families. Shagari described the incident as "a great tragedy" and a "monumental loss" for the state and the Muslim community.
"This is a heartbreaking incident, and we mourn not just as a local community, but as a state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time," Shagari said while addressing mourners in Gidan Husaini. He offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest.
The commissioner also used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of water safety. He urged canoe and boat passengers to always wear lifejackets, stressing that it could be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident. Shagari warned canoe and boat operators against overloading their vessels, a common practice that increases the risk of capsizing.
"Safety must always come first. No journey is worth a life lost due to negligence or preventable risks," he stressed.
The families of the victims expressed gratitude to the commissioner for his visit and words of comfort. They prayed for Allah to reward him abundantly for his compassion and solidarity during their time of sorrow.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of water transportation in rural areas of Sokoto State, where reliance on canoes is a daily necessity due to limited infrastructure. There are growing calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and provision of life-saving equipment.
The Sokoto State Government is expected to engage with local stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies. As the community mourns the loss of seven lives, there is a renewed emphasis on prioritizing water safety and taking measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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