At least 25 killed, several others missing as boat capsizes in Yobe

Monday, January 5, 2026 - At least 25 people have been confirmed d3ad while 13 others were rescued alive after a canoe capsized in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State. 

The incident occurred at about 7:48 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2025 when the canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.

The Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Agency, Mohammed Goje, who confirmed the incident said the victims were returning from Adiyani town, where they had been engaged in fishing, farming, and other local business activities, when the canoe overturned mid-journey.

According to Goje, 14 other victims remain missing, prompting an intensified search and rescue operation.

Goje said the agency received a distress alert shortly after the accident and immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms. 

"The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency can confirm the unfortunate canoe mishap that occurred along the Nguru waterway. Preliminary reports available to us indicate that 52 persons were on board the canoe before it capsized, resulting in confirmed fatalities, rescues, and some passengers still missing,” Goje stated. 

He added that coordinated rescue operations are ongoing, with multiple stakeholders working together to locate the missing persons.

“So far, 13 passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies,” he said.

“SEMA search and Recue Team from Bade and Nguru have since been dispatched to support the team on ground." 

While commiserating deeply with the bereaved families and the people of Nguru and Guri Local Government Areas, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon Mai Mala Buni, has directed that all necessary medical and logistical support be provided immediately to victims receiving treatment. 

He further emphasized that referral services must be expedited without delay to save live.