25 Dead, 13 Rescued, 14 Missing as Boat Capsizes in Yobe - Gist Cent

At least 25 people have died and 13 others rescued following a canoe accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State. The incident occurred around 7:48 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2025, when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while traveling from Adiyani town in Guri LGA, Jigawa State, to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.

The Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, confirmed the accident, explaining that the victims were returning from Adiyani, where they had been involved in fishing, farming, and other local business activities.

According to Goje, 14 people remain missing, prompting an intensified search and rescue operation.

“The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency can confirm the unfortunate canoe mishap along the Nguru waterway. Preliminary reports indicate that 52 persons were on board before it capsized, resulting in confirmed fatalities, rescues, and some still missing,” Goje stated.

He added that coordinated rescue efforts are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders, and local volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies.

“So far, 13 passengers have been rescued, while 14 remain missing. SEMA search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru have been dispatched to support the ongoing operations,” Goje said.

The Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and directed that all necessary medical and logistical support be provided immediately to those receiving treatment. He also emphasized that referral services must be expedited to save lives.