According to the agency, the victims were recovered from different locations along the river, specifically at Kojiyo, Bari, and Wuci communities. The operation, which is still in progress, is being carried out through a joint effort involving NEMA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and local divers who have been working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers.

With the discovery of the three bodies, officials confirmed that the number of persons still missing now stands at 22. The accident, which happened when the boat was transporting passengers to a local market, has thrown the affected communities into deep mourning as families anxiously await news about their loved ones.

In a statement, the Head of Press at NEMA headquarters, Manzo Ezekiel, explained that the rescue operation had received a boost from ongoing dam management efforts, which helped reduce the river’s water levels. This, he said, made it easier for divers and rescue teams to navigate the waters and improve the chances of locating the missing passengers.

Ezekiel added that the search would continue with greater intensity until every missing person is accounted for, stressing that NEMA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to bring closure to the affected families.