By John Moses
At least seven people have died in a canoe accident while travelling between the villages of Gidan Hussaini and Gwargawu in the Kambama ward of Shagari Local Government Area, located in Nigeria’s north-western Sokoto State.
According to local accounts, the victims were undertaking a routine river crossing when their canoe capsized under yet-to-be-confirmed circumstances. Authorities had not officially released the names of the deceased at the time of reporting.
The incident has plunged the neighbouring communities of Gidan Hussaini and Gwargawu into mourning, with residents describing the tragedy as a devastating blow to the area.
In response, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Finance, Engineer Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari, paid a condolence visit to the families of the victims in Gidan Hussaini. Speaking on behalf of the state government, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling it a tragedy not just for the local government but for the entire state and wider Muslim community.
“We pray for divine mercy upon the souls of the departed and ask God to grant their families strength and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
The Commissioner used the visit to highlight the critical importance of safety precautions for river transport, urging passengers and operators alike to adopt the use of life jackets and adhere to other safety measures. He also warned against overloading canoes and boats, stressing that stricter compliance with safety regulations could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Waterway transport remains a vital mode of travel for many rural communities in northern Nigeria, but safety oversight and infrastructure often remain inadequate, leaving travellers vulnerable to fatal accidents.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether an investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched.
