By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 4, 2026
At least 25 people are feared dead following a canoe accident in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State, while 13 passengers have been rescued, 14 remain missing, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 7:48pm on Saturday, when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while travelling from Adiyani town in Guri LGA, Jigawa State, to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were returning from fishing, farming, and other local business activities when the canoe overturned mid-journey.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YSEMA) confirmed the accident. Executive Secretary Mohammed Goje said the agency received a distress alert, shortly after the incident and immediately activated emergency response measures.
“Preliminary reports indicate that 52 persons were on board before the canoe capsized, resulting in confirmed fatalities, rescues, and some passengers still missing,” Goje said.
He added that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from Bade and Nguru LGAs, security agencies, and local volunteers working to locate the missing passengers.
“Recovered victims are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support. Our teams remain committed to accounting for all missing persons,” he said.
As of filing, 13 passengers have been rescued, 25 bodies recovered, and 14 people remain unaccounted for, prompting intensified search efforts along the Nguru waterways.
