At least 25 people lost their lives while 14 others are still missing after a boat capsized in the Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State on Saturday, 3 January, 2026.
The Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, who confirmed the sad development while speaking on Channels Television, said the incident happened on Saturday, 3 January, 2026.
Goje said the passengers were travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State before the accident happened.
The Nguru is located 230 kilometers away from Damaturu the state capital.
“The accident occurred at about 7.48 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026 when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized 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 report indicates 25 persons are dead, 13 rescued while 14 persons are still missing and the rescue operations are ongoing,” he said.
The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, commiserated with the families of the dead victims. He also directed that all necessary medical and logistical support be provided immediately to the victims for prompt medications.
The victims are said to be fishermen who were to their base before the accident occurred.
