At least 25 people have lost their lives, while 14 others remain missing following a boat accident on the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr. Mohammad Goje, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Damaturu on Sunday.
According to Goje, the mishap occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on January 3, when the canoe conveying farmers and traders capsized while returning from Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa State.
“The victims were reportedly returning from Adiyani town, where they were engaged in fishing, farming and other local business activities, when the canoe overturned mid-journey,” he said.
Goje disclosed that 13 passengers were rescued from the river and are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
He added that search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders and local community volunteers working together to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies.
“SEMA search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru have since been deployed to reinforce efforts at the scene,” he said.
The YOSEMA boss also said Governor Mai Mala Buni had expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed the agency to provide immediate medical and logistical assistance to those rescued.
He noted that the governor further stressed the need for prompt referral services to ensure that lives are saved.
