Residents Want Action Against Boat Accidents

In a bold step towards ending recurring fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways, residents of Nguru Local Government Area in Yobe State have called on the federal government to take measures to prevent boat accidents.

Some of the residents spoke with LEADERSHIP after the accident that happened in the area, claiming that about 29 people lost their lives on Saturday night.

One of the residents, Mallam Abubakar Ali, urged the government to ensure that operators’ boats have sound engines and that life jackets are provided.

He said operators must be forced to respect the capacity limit of the boats and avoid overloading, as well as night travel.

One of the District Heads who does not want his name in print stated that the boats often carry passengers far beyond their capacity, making them unstable and prone to accidents.

One of the businessmen from the town, Alhaji Musa Bello, said he is saddened by the incident that almost wiped out a whole family, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate.

“I am really sad about the unfortunate boat accident. Measures need to be put in place to really avoid recurrence,” he said.

In another development, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni paid a condolence visit to Nguru Emirate, specifically the Garbi community, on Monday, January 5, 2026, following a tragic boat mishap that claimed several lives.

The Governor, who led a high-powered delegation to Nguru, was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana.

Buni described the incident as unfortunate, painful, and heartbreaking, urging the people of the Garbi community and Adiyani village in Jigawa State to accept the tragedy as the will of God.

While commiserating with families of the deceased, the Governor noted that in Islam, those who die by drowning are regarded as martyrs (Shaheed), a special mercy from Allah, considering the painful nature of such death.

He prayed for Allah’s comfort for the affected communities and for the repose of the souls of the departed.

As immediate support, the Governor announced financial assistance totalling ₦20 million, with ₦500,000 each given to the families of those who lost their lives, and ₦200,000 each to those who sustained injuries.

He said to prevent future occurrences, Governor Buni directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to organise special training and sensitisation for local canoe operators on water safety.

He also disclosed plans by the state government to procure life jackets, other safety kits, and modern electronic canoes, while cautioning users against overloading canoes with passengers and goods.

Also speaking, the Member representing Nguru, Machina, Yusufari and Karasuwa Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Zannah Zakariya, alongside the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, urged the affected communities to continue praying for forgiveness for the deceased and for the recovery or rescue of those still missing.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje, explained that the incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a canoe carrying about 52 passengers, mostly fishermen and traders from Adiyani village in Jigawa State to Garbi in Nguru Local Government Area, capsized.

He disclosed that 29 persons were confirmed dead, 15 rescued alive, while eight remain missing.

Goje added that search and rescue operations are ongoing, conducted by local divers and boat owners under the supervision of SEMA.

He further revealed that the agency has completed assessments for distributing food items to all 52 passengers and will continue the search for those still unaccounted for.

The Governor Hon Mai Mala Buni Condoles, Donates N20m, Orders Safety Reforms, Life Jackets, Modern Canoes, Safety Training For Operators as Govt Moves to Prevent Future Tragedies

Leadership investigates that the numerous incidents across states like Sokoto, Niger, Kogi and Yobe state point to several preventable causes.