JUST-IN: 25 Passengers Die, 13 Rescued, 14 Missing As Boat Capsizes In Yobe

At least 25 people have been confirmed dead, while 13 others were rescued alive, following a tragic canoe accident in Nguru local government area of Yobe State.

The incident occurred when a canoe conveying 52 passengers capsized while travelling from Adiyani town in Guri local government area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.

Preliminary report confirmed that 25 passengers died, 13 were rescued, and 14 were declared missing in the accident.

According to the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, search and rescue operations commenced immediately after the incident was reported.

He said SEMA search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru LGAs were promptly deployed to the scene to support ongoing efforts by security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers.

He said that, “So far, 13 passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others remain 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.”

Dr. Goje explained that the victims were returning from Adiyani, where they had engaged in fishing farming, and other local business activities, when the canoe capsized mid-way.

He added that the efforts were being intensified to locate the missing passengers and recover their bodies, assuring that the agency remained fully committed until the operation is concluded.