At least 25 persons have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are still missing following a boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Gkingmusik learnt that the tragic incident occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on Saturday when a canoe conveying dozens of passengers capsized mid-journey.
It was gathered that the canoe was transporting 52 passengers from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State when it overturned.
Reports are that the victims were returning from Adiyani, where they had engaged in fishing, farming and other local business activities, before the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to Daily Trust, a source said, “The boat was conveying 52 passengers. So far, 25 have been confirmed dead. Thirteen passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others are still missing.”
The source added that search and rescue efforts were immediately launched following the accident.
“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 source stated.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Goje Muhammad, said rescue teams had been mobilised to the scene.
He disclosed that teams from Bade and Nguru Local Government Areas had been deployed to support ongoing operations.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has condoled with the families of the 25 persons who lost their lives in the incident.
In a statement signed by his Director General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, the governor described the accident as a monumental loss to both the affected families and the state.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the shocking and devastating news of the boat mishap in Nguru Local Government Area which claimed 25 lives, with 14 others still missing and 13 rescued,” Buni said.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and directed that those rescued should receive immediate medical attention.
“I pray more survivors will be rescued to join their families,” he added.
Buni further directed the State Emergency Management Agency, the Fire Service and the Nguru Local Government Authority to mobilise additional rescue missions to intensify the search for the missing passengers.
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