A devastating canoe mishap occurred in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people, while 13 others were successfully rescued.
On the night of Saturday, January 3, 2025, around 7:48 pm, a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized en route from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area, Jigawa State, heading towards Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.
Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the tragedy, explaining that the passengers were returning from activities such as fishing, farming, and local trading when the canoe overturned mid-journey.
According to Goje, 14 passengers are still missing, prompting an escalated search and rescue operation involving several agencies.
“Our emergency teams were immediately dispatched following the distress signal,” Goje reported. “Preliminary investigations indicate that 52 individuals were aboard the canoe before it capsized, resulting in confirmed casualties, survivors, and missing persons.”
He emphasized that rescue operations continue, with coordinated efforts from security personnel, emergency responders, and community volunteers to find the missing and recover the deceased.
“So far, 13 people have been saved, but 14 remain unaccounted for. Reinforcements from Bade and Nguru have joined the ground search efforts,” Goje added.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families and the communities of Nguru and Guri LGAs, Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni has mandated immediate medical attention and logistical assistance for the injured.
The governor also urged swift referral of critical cases to advanced healthcare facilities to improve survival chances.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent necessity for improved water safety protocols and emergency readiness in the region, where waterways serve as essential transportation and economic lifelines. Recent statistics from the National Emergency Management Agency reveal a 15% rise in water-related accidents across Nigeria over the last two years, underscoring the critical need for enhanced preventive measures and coordinated emergency responses.
