A devastating maritime tragedy struck Yobe State on Saturday evening, resulting in the confirmed deaths of 25 individuals, with 14 others still missing after a canoe capsized. The incident has plunged communities in two states into mourning and triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation.
Details of the Fatal Voyage
The accident occurred at approximately 7:48 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in the Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State. The wooden canoe was overloaded, carrying a total of 52 passengers on an inter-state journey. They were traveling from Adiyani town in Guri LGA of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.
Reports indicate the victims were returning from Adiyani, where they had been engaged in daily economic activities including fishing, farming, and local trade. Midway through their journey, the vessel overturned, throwing all occupants into the water.
Rescue Efforts and Official Response
Following the capsizing, a coordinated emergency response was launched. Thirteen passengers were successfully rescued from the water. However, the toll was severe, with 25 bodies recovered and declared dead. As of the latest reports, 14 passengers remain unaccounted for.
Search operations involve a multi-agency effort. Dr. Goje Muhammad, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), confirmed the dispatch of specialized search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru LGAs to support ongoing efforts. Local community volunteers are also tirelessly combing the area.
Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement released by his Director General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, the governor described the event as a "monumental loss to the families and the state."
He stated, "It is with a heavy heart that I received the shocking and devastating news of the boat mishap... which claimed 25 lives, with 14 others still missing and 13 rescued." Governor Buni directed that all rescued persons receive immediate medical attention and prayed for more survivors to be found.
Aftermath and Ongoing Operations
The governor has issued further directives to intensify the search mission. He ordered the State Emergency Management Agency, the State Fire Service, and the Nguru Local Government Council to mobilize all available resources to locate the missing 14 individuals.
This tragedy highlights the perennial risks associated with riverine transportation in many parts of Nigeria, often involving overcrowded and sometimes poorly maintained vessels. The communities of Jigawa and Yobe States are now united in grief as families await news of their missing loved ones while burying the dead.
Rescue operations continue unabated, with teams working against time and challenging conditions to find any remaining survivors from this heartbreaking accident.
