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Boat Tragedy in Yobe: 29 Dead, 10 Missing as Overloaded Canoe Capsizes
Boat Tragedy in Yobe: 29 Dead, 10 Missing as Overloaded Canoe Capsizes
MAIDUGURI – A devastating boat accident has claimed at least 29 lives with 10 passengers still missing after a large canoe capsized in Yobe State waters on Saturday evening, emergency officials confirmed on Sunday.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday when the vessel, carrying 52 passengers from Adiyani village in Jigawa State, overturned while heading to Garbi in Yobe State.
Mohammed Goje, Director-General of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), disclosed that rescue operations have so far saved 13 passengers, while 29 bodies have been recovered from the water.
“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the 10 missing persons. Emergency response teams from neighbouring communities have joined local volunteers and security agencies at the accident scene,” Goje stated.
The Jigawa State Police Command attributed the disaster to boat leakage and flagrant violation of maritime safety regulations.
Lawan Adam, spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police, revealed that passengers were returning from a market day trading expedition when the tragedy struck. He emphasized that the boat operator flouted safety laws prohibiting night journeys and overloading.
“If the driver survives, he will face prosecution for criminal negligence,” Adam warned.
Babagana Shettima, a resident of Adiyani village, said victims included passengers from both the departure point and the destination community.
“When the boat failed to arrive as expected, relatives raised the alarm. It was later discovered that the canoe had capsized midway. Local divers have been recovering bodies,” Shettima recounted.
This latest tragedy adds to Nigeria’s grim record of fatal boat accidents, largely attributed to inadequate safety measures and poor enforcement of maritime regulations.
In September 2024, at least 60 people perished when an overloaded passenger boat collided with a tree stump and sank in Niger State, central Nigeria.
Maritime safety experts continue to call for stricter enforcement of passenger limits, mandatory life jackets, and prohibition of night-time water travel on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Rescue operations continue as authorities work to locate the remaining missing passengers.