Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Following tragic capsizings that claimed multiple lives, the state government has initiated a safety overhaul, procuring new boats and 1,000 life jackets for flood-prone communities.
In a decisive and proactive response to a series of fatal water accidents, the Sokoto State Government has commenced a comprehensive training program for boat drivers and operators statewide.
The initiative, designed to drastically improve water safety and prevent flood related tragedies, is a direct consequence of recent mishaps that have highlighted critical gaps in the state water transportation system.
The program, coordinated by the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, follows the government’s significant investment in new safety equipment, including the procurement of 20 modern 20 seater motorized fiber boats and 1,000 life jackets.
The urgency of this intervention was explicitly framed by officials as a direct reaction to recent loss of life on Sokoto waterways. The Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at SEMA, Mustapha Umar, emphasized that the initiative was “timely and necessary” due to “recent tragic mishaps in the state, including boat accidents that claimed several lives.”
This statement is a clear reference to historical and recent incidents, such as the devastating boat capsizing in the Gande area of Tangaza Local Government Area. A report cited by the Sokoto State Police Command confirms that 25 people drowned in that single tragedy, a stark reminder of the perils of unsafe water travel. The government action suggests a determination to prevent a recurrence of such preventable disasters.
Demonstrating the administration top level support, Governor Ahmed Aliyu represented by his deputy, Alhaji Muhammad Gobir personally inspected the newly procured safety equipment at an unveiling ceremony held at the Sokoto Furniture Factory.
The training curriculum is designed to address the root causes of past accidents. Officials stated that boat operators will receive vital technical skills and safety knowledge, including Advanced boat handling and navigation, particularly during hazardous conditions like floods and strong currents, strict enforcement of load management to prevent deadly overloading, mandatory and proper use of life jackets for all passengers and Basic emergency response and water rescue techniques.