Manny Ita
Damaturu, Yobe – The death toll from Saturday’s boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area has risen to 29, up from the initial figure of 25 previously reported by the state government.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Mohammad Goje, confirmed the updated figure in a statement released in Damaturu on Monday. The increase follows the recovery of four additional bodies from the river.
According to Mr. Goje, between eight and ten passengers remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the remaining victims. Meanwhile, 13 passengers who sustained injuries in the accident have been treated and discharged from a local hospital.
Preliminary findings suggest that the accident was likely caused by overloading and structural defects in the vessel.
The ill-fated boat, which originated from Adiyani in neighboring Jigawa State, capsized along the Yobe River in Garbi town at approximately 7:48 p.m. on Saturday. It was reportedly carrying over 50 passengers—primarily farmers and traders—at the time of the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Mala Buni has directed YOSEMA to coordinate with relevant federal agencies to establish and enforce safety protocols for water transportation in the region.
Mr. Goje emphasized that such collaboration is essential for the policing of waterways and the mandatory use of safety equipment.
“Once this is achieved, you can ensure that those that will board a canoe must wear life jackets, and that should be institutionalised,” Mr. Goje stated.
The site of the accident in Nguru is located approximately 230 kilometers from the state capital, Damaturu.
