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At least 25 people have drowned, and 14 others are missing after a boat carrying farmers and fishermen capsized in Yobe State, according to emergency officials.
The accident happened late Saturday when a passenger canoe travelling from Jigawa State to Yobe State overturned, according to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Mohammed Goje, SEMA’s executive director, said the boat was carrying 52 passengers when it capsized at about 7:48 p.m. on January 3, 2026.
“The accident occurred at about 7:48 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while travelling from Adiyani town in the Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in the Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State,” Goje said.
The emergency officials also disclosed that “a preliminary report indicates 25 persons are dead and 13 rescued, while 14 persons are still missing.”
He added that the rescue operation is still ongoing.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed that medical and logistical support be provided to those rescued.
Officials said the victims were fishermen returning to their base when the accident occurred.
