No fewer than 25 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others remain missing, following a boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the incident occurred at about 7:00 pm on Saturday.
According to the agency, the canoe, which was carrying 52 passengers, mostly farmers and traders, capsized midway during its journey from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.
YOSEMA said 13 passengers were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing for the 14 missing persons. The agency added that rescue operations are being conducted by a combined team of security agencies, emergency responders and local community volunteers.
Search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru have been deployed to reinforce operations at the scene.
The agency further stated that Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed that immediate medical and logistical support be provided to survivors receiving treatment, stressing that referral services should be expedited to save lives.
YOSEMA said it would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Fatal boat accidents have become a recurring challenge on Nigeria’s inland waterways in recent times.