No fewer than seven people lost their lives on Monday, June 2, after a canoe carrying passengers from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village in Kambama Ward, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, capsized.
The victims were said to be commuting across a local waterway when the unfortunate incident took place.
All seven victims 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.
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 de@th 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.