No fewer than 25 persons 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.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr Mohammad Goje, disclosed this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Sunday.
Goje said the incident occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on January 3, after the victims—mostly farmers and traders—boarded the boat from Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa State.
According to him, the passengers were returning from Adiyani, where they had engaged in fishing, farming and other commercial activities, when the canoe capsized mid-journey.
He confirmed that 13 passengers were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders and community volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing persons and recover bodies,” Goje said.
He added that SEMA search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru have been deployed to reinforce efforts at the scene.
Goje also disclosed that Governor Mai Mala Buni has extended his condolences to the families of the victims and directed YOSEMA to provide medical and logistical support to the survivors.
The governor, he said, further stressed that referral services must be expedited without delay to save lives.