No fewer than 25 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are missing, following a boat accident in Yobe State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:48pm on Saturday when a canoe conveying passengers capsized in Nguru Local Government Area of the state.
The canoe was reportedly carrying 52 passengers from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.
Sources said the victims were returning from Adiyani town, where they engaged in fishing, farming and other local business activities, when the canoe overturned mid-journey.
“The boat was conveying 52 passengers. So far 25 have been confirmed dead. So far, 13 passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others are still 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,” a source said.
Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr Goje Muhammad, confirmed the incident.
He said search and rescue team from Bade and Nguru Local Government Areas had been dispatched to support efforts on the ground.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, in a statement signed by his Director General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, condoled with the families of the 25 persons who died in the incident.
He described the incident as a monumental loss to the families and the state.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the shocking and devastating news of the boat mishap in Nguru Local Government Area which claimed 25 lives, with 14 others still missing and 13 rescued.”
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and directed that those rescued should receive treatment.
“I pray more survivors will be rescued to join their families,” Buni prayed.
The governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency, the Fire Service and the Nguru LGA to mobilise additional rescue missions to intensify the search for those still missing.
