Seven persons were killed in a canoe accident that occurred while they were travelling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Kambama Ward in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Monday.
The victims were said to be commuting across a local waterway when the unfortunate incident took place, sending shockwaves across the immediate community and beyond.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been released publicly, but local authorities confirmed to our correspondent on Tuesday that all seven hailed from Gidan Husaini village.
Leading a condolence delegation on behalf of the Sokoto State Government, the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari, described the incident as not only heartbreaking for the people of Shagari but also a monumental loss for the entire state and the wider Muslim ummah.
“This is a great tragedy. We mourn not just as a local community, but as a state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time,” said Shagari while addressing mourners in Gidan Husaini.
He offered heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.
Shagari also seized the opportunity to issue a strong advisory to residents who often travel by water.
He urged canoe and boat passengers to always wear lifejackets, emphasising that such a simple precaution could be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident.
In addition, he issued a stern warning to canoe and boat operators, cautioning them against overloading their vessels, a common practice that significantly 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.
In their response, grieving family members of the victims expressed deep gratitude to the commissioner for his timely visit and words of comfort. They offered prayers for Allah to reward him abundantly for his compassion and solidarity during their time of sorrow.
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of water transportation in rural areas of Sokoto State, where reliance on canoes remains a daily necessity due to limited infrastructure. Calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and provision of life-saving equipment are once again gaining momentum.
The Sokoto State Government is expected to initiate further engagements with local stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.
