No fewer than 25 people are feared dead while 14 others remain missing following the capsizing of a fully loaded canoe on a river linking Yobe and Jigawa states.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that the incident occurred at about 8 pm on Saturday when the canoe, which was conveying 52 passengers, sank mid journey while crossing the waterway between Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State and Garbi town in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Mohammed Goje, said 13 passengers have so far been rescued alive through efforts led by local divers, emergency officials and community volunteers.
He explained that the victims were mostly residents returning home after engaging in fishing, farming and other local business activities in Adiyani.
According to him, rescue operations commenced immediately after the incident, involving SEMA teams from Bade and Nguru, local security agencies and other emergency responders.
He said, “Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, involving SEMA teams from Bade and Nguru, local security agencies, emergency responders, and community volunteers.”
Goje added that the agency would continue the operation until all missing persons are accounted for.
“The agency remains fully committed until the operation is concluded. Operations are ongoing and being intensified,” he said.
He noted that attention has now shifted to locating those still missing and recovering bodies of the deceased as the search continued into Sunday.
Reacting to the tragedy, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, described the incident as painful and distressing.
He commiserated with families of the victims and residents of Nguru and Guri local government areas affected by the disaster.
The governor directed that immediate medical and logistical support be provided for survivors currently receiving treatment, while stressing the need for prompt referral services to save lives where necessary.
He assured that the state government would continue to support affected families and ensure that the rescue operation is carried out thoroughly.
As of Sunday afternoon, reports from the area indicated that rescue efforts were still ongoing in a bid to recover more bodies and locate the missing passengers.
