At least 25 persons have been confirmed dead, while 14 others remain missing after a boat accident on the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident occurred on Friday evening when a canoe conveying farmers and traders capsized while returning from Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa State.
Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr. Mohammad Goje, who confirmed the development in a statement issued in Damaturu on Sunday, said the mishap happened at about 7:48pm.
According to him, the passengers were on their way back from Adiyani, where they had engaged in fishing, farming and other commercial activities, when the boat overturned midstream.
Goje said 13 passengers were rescued alive and have been taken to a health facility, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
He added that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing, with personnel from security agencies, emergency responders and local volunteers combing the area for the missing victims and bodies.
“The SEMA search and rescue teams from Bade and Nguru have been deployed to reinforce operations on the ground,” he said.
The YOSEMA boss disclosed that Governor Mai Mala Buni had commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and directed the agency to provide immediate medical and logistical support to survivors.
He said the governor also instructed that referral services for the injured be fast-tracked to prevent further loss of life.