TIMELINE (2020-2025): 78 dead, many missing in 8 Sokoto boat accidents

Between 2020 and 2025, Sokoto, Nigeria, has seen a series of tragic boat accidents resulting in 78 deaths and many people missing. The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau revealed that many victims did not wear Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) while traveling on overloaded boats, highlighting the lack of adherence to safety guidelines and regulations in the country's water transportation system.

The incidents have mainly affected women and children, with overloaded boats capsizing due to factors like overloading and inexperience of boat operators. Local authorities have made efforts to rescue victims and impound overloaded boats, but the recurring tragedies continue.

The latest incident in August 2024 saw four people dead in a boat accident in Dundaye community. Investigations are ongoing, with rescue teams recovering bodies and searching for missing victims.