- 25 passengers feared dead after a canoe accident in Yobe State
- 13 people rescued alive, several receiving medical care
- 14 passengers still missing as search efforts continue
- Incident happened at night along the Nguru waterway
A devastating Yobe boat tragedy occurred on Saturday night when a canoe transporting 52 passengers overturned on a waterway in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The canoe was travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru when the accident happened around 7:48 pm. Most of the passengers were returning home from fishing, farming, and other small business activities.
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Eyewitnesses said the boat suddenly lost balance mid-journey before capsizing, throwing passengers into the river. The scene quickly turned chaotic as villagers rushed to help before emergency responders arrived.
Confirming the incident, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YSEMA) said it received a distress call shortly after the canoe went under.
“The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirms the unfortunate canoe accident along the Nguru waterway. Preliminary information shows that 52 people were onboard. Some have been rescued, several bodies recovered, while others are still missing,” said Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of YSEMA.
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According to the agency, 25 bodies have so far been recovered, while 13 passengers were rescued alive and taken to nearby health facilities for treatment. Fourteen people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Goje added that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams deployed from Bade and Nguru Local Government Areas, working alongside security agencies and local volunteers.
“Our teams are fully on ground, working tirelessly to locate the missing persons. We are also ensuring that survivors receive proper medical care and that affected families get humanitarian support,” he said.
Residents described the tragedy as heartbreaking, noting that many of the victims were known members of the community. Authorities have warned boat operators and passengers to be cautious while travelling on waterways, especially during evening hours when visibility is poor and water currents can change suddenly.
The Yobe State government has promised to support victims’ families and investigate the cause of the accident, including possible overloading or safety lapses.
