At least 25 people have died, while 14 others remain missing, after a boat capsized along the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Dr Mohammad Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), disclosed this in a statement in Damaturu on Sunday.
He said the incident occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on January 3, after the victims, mostly farmers and traders, boarded the boat in Adiyani town in neighboring 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,” Goje said.
The executive secretary added that 13 passengers were rescued from the disaster and are receiving treatment at a hospital.
“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.
“The SEMA Search and Rescue Teams from Bade and Nguru have been dispatched to support operations on the ground,” he said.
Goje said Governor Mai Mala Buni had extended his condolences to the families of the victims and directed YOSEMA to provide medical and logistical support to the rescued passengers.
He added that the governor emphasized the need to expedite referral services without delay to save lives.
