No fewer than 25 people have lost their lives, while 14 others remain missing, following a tragic canoe accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident was confirmed by the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, who disclosed that the boat mishap occurred on Saturday evening, January 3, 2026.
According to Goje, the canoe, which was conveying 52 passengers, capsized at about 7:48 p.m. 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 reports indicate that 25 passengers drowned, 13 were rescued alive, while 14 persons are still unaccounted for, with rescue operations ongoing.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and ordered the immediate provision of medical care and logistical support for survivors of the incident.
The victims were reportedly fishermen who were returning to their base when the unfortunate accident occurred.
