Boat Mishap in Yobe State Claims 25 Lives, 14 Still Missing in Nguru

Boat Mishap in Yobe State Claims 25 Lives, 14 Still Missing in Nguru

At least 25 people have been confirmed dead and 14 others remain missing following a tragic boat accident in Yobe State, authorities have confirmed.

The incident occurred at about 7:48pm on Saturday when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized in Nguru Local Government Area. The victims were travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.

Sources said the passengers were returning from Adiyani, where they had engaged in fishing, farming and other local business activities, when the canoe overturned midway through the journey.

“So far, 25 passengers have been confirmed dead, 13 have been rescued, while 14 others are still missing,” a source disclosed.

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According to the source, search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders and local community volunteers working together to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies.

The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr Goje Muhammad, confirmed the incident, stating that rescue teams from Bade and Nguru Local Government Areas had been deployed to support ongoing efforts.

Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement issued by his Director General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, the governor described the incident as a monumental loss to the affected communities 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 still missing and 13 rescued,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

Governor Buni prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, directed that survivors receive adequate medical care, and urged emergency agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

“I pray that more survivors will be rescued and reunited with their families,” the governor said.

He further instructed YOSEMA, the Fire Service, and Nguru Local Government authorities to sustain and strengthen rescue operations until all missing persons are accounted for.

Boat Mishap in Yobe State Claims 25 Lives, 14 Still Missing in Nguru