FIVE teenagers have lost their lives in a tragic boat accident in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a boat conveying passengers across the Nafada River to a village market capsized.
The victims were identified as 18-year-old Najib Ibrahim, 15-year-old Hauwa’u Dogal, 16-year-olds Ummati Baraya and Umaira Gidado, and 15-year-old Amina Jaliya.
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as “heart-wrenching and deeply painful,” particularly because of the victims’ young ages.
“This is a very tragic and unfortunate incident that has cut short the lives of promising young people,” the governor said in a statement by his Director-General, Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli.
“My heart goes out to their parents, families, and the entire Nafada community at this difficult time.”
Governor Yahaya extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls, asking Almighty Allah to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.
He further called for stricter adherence to safety measures in water transportation and urged local councils, boat operators, and regulatory agencies to enforce safety protocols to prevent future accidents.
The governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nafada local government council to support the affected families and increase safety awareness across riverine communities.
“This loss is not just a tragedy to their families but to all of us as a people,” he added.
The Nafada incident adds to the growing number of boat mishaps across Nigeria in 2025.
In September, 26 traders were killed in a similar accident on the River Niger while traveling from Kogi State to Edo State.
That same month, 27 people died in a Niger State boat mishap along the Malale–Kainji Lake route, while Sokoto State also recorded 10 fatalities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
Authorities continue to urge Nigerians to prioritize safety precautions, as many of these accidents are attributed to overloading, poor weather conditions, and lack of life jackets.