At least 25 passengers have been confirmed dead following a canoe accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, while 13 others were rescued alive and 14 remain missing.
The incident occurred when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while en route from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.
Confirming the development, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Mohammed Goje, said search and rescue operations commenced immediately after the incident was reported.
According to him, SEMA rescue teams from Bade and Nguru LGAs were swiftly deployed to the scene to complement efforts by security agencies, emergency responders and local community volunteers.
Dr Goje disclosed that, so far, 13 passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others are still unaccounted for, noting that rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies.
He explained that the victims were returning from Adiyani town, where they had engaged in fishing, farming and other local business activities, when the canoe capsized mid-way into the journey.
The SEMA boss assured that efforts were being intensified to conclude the operation, stressing that the agency would remain fully committed until all missing persons are accounted for.
