Ngarbi Water Tragedy: NEDC, Yobe Govt Donate Rescue Boats, Life Jackets, Others

Nearly two months after a devastating water accident claimed several lives and plunged families into mourning, hope returned to the riverine community of Ngarbi/Bombori in Nguru Local Government Area as the North East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with the Yobe State Government, delivered rescue boats, life jackets and relief materials to strengthen water safety and emergency response.

The intervention followed the January 3 canoe mishap involving passengers travelling from Adiyani community in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Ngarbi in Yobe, a tragedy that exposed the dangers faced daily by residents who depend on waterways for transportation, trade and livelihoods.

At the symbolic handover ceremony held at the riverbank, the epicentre of the tragedy, community members, emergency responders and government officials gathered as trucks offloaded bright-coloured life jackets and newly procured rescue boats, signalling a renewed commitment to preventing future loss of lives.

Speaking at the event, the NEDC Yobe State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, said the intervention was part of deliberate efforts to prevent recurrence of such tragedies and improve safety across riverine communities.

“This support is not only for Ngarbi but for other riverine communities across Yobe State,” he said. “Our aim is to strengthen safety measures, improve emergency response and reduce risks associated with water transportation.”

He added that the relief materials would be distributed to families of victims, volunteer rescue teams and community leaders, particularly to support them during the Ramadan period.

Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, commended the NEDC for fulfilling its pledge and supporting the state’s disaster prevention efforts.

The ES noted that the intervention aligns with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s disaster management reforms, which prioritise proactive safety measures to protect lives and property.

Dr. Goje, however, emphasised that safety equipment alone would not eliminate the risks, urging residents to adopt responsible practices.

“We must change our attitude. Overloading of boats must stop. Night sailing is dangerous and should be avoided. No one should travel without wearing a life jacket,” he warned, adding that security agencies and community vigilante groups would be mobilised to enforce compliance.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Nguru Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Mairami, represented by the Council Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, praised the NEDC and Yobe State Government for responding swiftly to the needs of the community and restoring confidence among residents.

Community leader, Lawan Goma Gana, described the intervention as timely and lifesaving.

Items donated by the NEDC include 100 life jackets, 10 inflatable rescue boats equipped with paddles, pumps and toolkits, and two speed boats fitted with electric hydraulic davits to enhance rapid emergency response in addition to the provision of food and non-food relief materials such as bags of rice, mats, blankets and children’s clothing to support affected families and vulnerable residents.