By Suleiman Anyalewechi
No fewer than 24 persons have lost their lives following the capsizing of an overloaded boat along the coastal border between Yobe and Jigawa states.
13 people have been rescued, while over 14 remain missing in the boat mishap which Yobe officials said occurred at about 7.48pm Saturday night January 3, 2026.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje, informed that the boat with 52 persons on board was heading from Adiyani town in Guri Local Council of Jigawa to Garbi town im Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe when it capsized .
Although no official reason(s) has been given for the mishap, it is, however, strongly believed that overloading and non-observance of basic rules played a major part.
Local witness accounts said that most of the victims of the unfortunate incident were home-bound from fishing, local business activities ,as well as farm engagements in Adiyani town.
Dr Goje assured that SEMA and others are intensifying efforts to locate and possibly rescue missing persons on board the ill-fated vessel.
He noted that rescue efforts which commenced swiftly and promptly involve officials of the emergency agency drawn from Nguru and Bade areas of Yobe State in concert with other volunteers from nearby communities.
“The Agency remains fully committed until the rescue operations are concluded ” Goje stated.
Meanwhile, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has directed relevant authorities and bodies to immediately extend all necessary medical and logistical assistance to all the rescued persons.
While assuring of the State Government’s support to the families of the victims, the Governor emphasized the importance of urgent actions to save the lives of the survivors .
Governor Buni who described the incident as unfortunate and painful extended heartfelt condolences to the families, relations and friends of the victims, as well as the Nguru Local Government authorities and Guri Local Council counterparts.
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