25 Dead, 13 Rescued, 14 Missing in Tragic Boat Mishap in Yobe

No fewer than 25 people have been confirmed dead following a tragic boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, while 13 passengers were rescued alive and 14 others remain missing.

The incident occurred when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while traveling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.

Preliminary findings indicate that 25 passengers lost their lives in the accident, 13 were rescued, and 14 were declared missing as rescue efforts continued.

The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, confirmed the development and said search and rescue operations began immediately after the incident was reported.

According to him, SEMA deployed rescue teams from Bade and Nguru local government areas to the scene to support ongoing efforts by security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers.

“So far, 13 passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies,” Dr. Goje said.

He explained that the victims were returning from Adiyani, where they had gone for fishing, farming, and other local business activities, when the canoe capsized midway into the journey.

Dr. Goje added that efforts had been intensified to locate the missing passengers and recover the bodies of those feared dead, assuring that SEMA would remain fully engaged until the operation is concluded.