From HASSAN JIRGI, Damaturu
At least 25 people have been confirmed dead, 13 rescued with several others missing, after a passenger boat capsized on River Yobe.
Residents said the vessel was en route Yobe from Jigawa State when the incident occurred on Saturday night. It capsized on the border between two states.
A resident told AljazirahNigeria that the canoe, which was carrying 52 passengers, sank mid-journey while traveling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa state to Garbi town in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency.,SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje, 13 people have been rescued alive so far.
Another source said the victims were primarily returning from a day of fishing, farming and local business activities in Adiyani.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, involving SEMA teams from Bade and Nguru, local security agencies, emergency responders and community volunteers.
He added that efforts are now focused on locating the missing individuals and recovering bodies.
“The agency remains fully committed until the operation is concluded,” Goje stated, noting that operations are ongoing and being intensified.
A source from the rescue operation who does not want mention his name in print told our correspondent that details would be provided after emergency teams conclude their assessment.
Boat accidents are frequent in Northern Nigeria where poor road networks force many to rely on wooden vessels that are often overloaded.
Many also travel at night, making rescue operations difficult and leaving victims unaccounted for.
Governor Mai Mala Buni has condoled the families of the 25 persons who died in the boat mishap, describing the incident as a monumental loss to their families and the state.
Buni, in his condolence message, said “it is with a heavy heart that l received the shocking and devastating news of the boat mishap in Nguru which claimed 25 lives with 14 others still missing and 13 rescued”.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and directed the treatment of those rescued.
