In what has been described as a prompt demonstration of compassion and responsibility, the Sokoto State Government has extended financial and material support to families affected by a tragic boat mishap that claimed seven lives.

Arewa PUNCH reports that those killed in the boat tragedy included four children and three women in Rinaye village, Shagari Local Government Area.

Our correspondent reports that the incident occurred on Monday when a locally operated boat carrying nine passengers capsised mid-river.

Only two individuals, including the boat captain, survived the accident.

Moved by the gravity of the loss, the state government dispatched a high-powered delegation to Rinaye on Tuesday, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Muhammad Tukur Alkali.

The delegation delivered N4 million in financial assistance and distributed food items, including bags of rice, millet, and maize to the bereaved families.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Hon. Alkali described the accident as “a deeply painful tragedy,” and emphasised the administration’s commitment to both humanitarian relief and long-term preventive measures.

“This moment weighs heavily on all of us,” he said. “But it also reminds us of the urgent need to enhance safety across our riverine communities.

“Governor Aliyu, currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj pilgrimage, conveyed his condolences and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to riverine safety reforms.

“We can not continue to lose lives to preventable water accidents,” he stated.

“Our government will intensify efforts to provide motorised boats, life jackets, and other essential safety equipment.”

The Vice Chairman of Shagari Local Government, Mansur Muhammad Rafi, and other community leaders expressed appreciation for the state government’s timely intervention, describing it as “a great source of comfort” during a difficult time.

Arewa PUNCH recalls that following a similar incident in Dundaye village, Wamakko LGA, in August 2024, which led to the death of five residents, the state executive council approved the procurement of water safety equipment.

The latest tragedy reinforces the urgency of fast-tracking the implementation of those plans.

The state delegation to Rinaye included: Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, the Commissioner for Finance; Aminu Liman, Special Adviser on SEMA; and Mode Yawa Shagari, Special Adviser on livestock development.

Others are: Maryam Sulaiman, Special Adviser on Resident Communities; Nasara Lawal Gumi, Special Adviser on Poultry Development, as well as Faruku Ahmed Shuni, Special Adviser on protocol matters.


https://punchng.com/sokoto-govt-mobilises-humanitarian-response-to-shagari-boat-tragedy-victims/