January 04, (THEWILL) — At least 25 people have been confirmed dead, while 13 others were rescued alive, following a tragic canoe accident in the Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:48 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a canoe conveying 52 passengers capsized while traveling from Adiyani town in the Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.
The victims, primarily farmers and traders, were reportedly returning to their base after a day of fishing and local business activities when the vessel overturned mid-journey.
As of Sunday morning, search and rescue operations remain intensive. While 13 passengers were successfully rescued and are receiving medical attention, 14 others remain missing.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has dispatched specialized teams from Bade and Nguru to support local volunteers, security agencies, and emergency responders already on the ground.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State described the incident as a “monumental loss” to 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,” Buni said in a condolence message.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and directed that all rescued victims receive immediate, free medical treatment.
Governor Buni has further directed SEMA, the State Fire Service, and the Nguru Local Government Council to mobilize additional resources to intensify the search for the missing passengers.
He also cautioned residents against the dangerous practice of overloading canoes and vehicles, stressing that such actions lead to avoidable tragedies.
THEWILL reports that this accident is one of the deadliest waterway disasters in the region in recent years, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by rural communities who rely on local wooden boats for cross-state commerce between Jigawa and Yobe.
