No fewer than 25 persons have been confirmed dead, while 14 others remain missing after a boat capsized along the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State. The incident occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on January 3 as passengers were returning from Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa State.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Mohammad Goje, disclosed the incident in a statement issued in Damaturu on Sunday. He said the victims, mainly farmers and traders, were engaged in fishing, farming and other business activities before the canoe overturned mid-journey.
Goje said 13 passengers were rescued and are currently receiving treatment in hospital. He added that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders and community volunteers involved. He noted that Governor Mai Mala Buni has extended condolences to the victims’ families and directed that medical, logistical and referral support be provided without delay.