25 DEAD, 14 MISSING IN YOBE BOAT MISHAP

January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Read Time:1 Minute, 3 Second

By: Sefiu Ajape

Twenty-five people have died and 14 others are missing after a boat capsized in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, said the accident occurred on Saturday.

He explained that the passengers were travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State when the tragedy happened.

“The accident occurred at about 7.48 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

“Preliminary report indicates 25 persons are dead, 13 rescued while 14 persons are still missing and the rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.

The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, commiserated with the families of the dead victims and directed that all necessary medical and logistical support be provided immediately to the victims for prompt medications.

The victims are reported to be fishermen who were returning to their base before the accident occurred. Nguru is located 230 kilometers from Damaturu, the state capital.