The death toll from Saturday’s boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State has risen from 25 to 29, the state’s Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) has confirmed.
Executive Secretary of YOSEMA, Dr Mohammad Goje, disclosed on Monday in Damaturu that four additional bodies were recovered from the river, while search and rescue operations continue.
He said between eight and ten passengers remain missing.
Thirteen survivors who sustained injuries have been treated and discharged from a local hospital. Preliminary investigations indicate that overloading and structural defects were key factors that contributed to the tragic accident.
The ill-fated boat, which departed from Adiyani in neighbouring Jigawa State, capsized along the Yobe River in Garbi town around 7:48 pm on Saturday.
Reports say over 50 passengers, mostly farmers and traders, were on board when the incident occurred.
Following the tragedy, Governor Mai Mala Buni directed YOSEMA to collaborate with relevant federal agencies to enforce safety measures for water transportation in the state.
Dr Goje emphasized that this would ensure passengers wear life jackets and enhance policing of river transport to prevent similar incidents in the future.
