The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed an Emergency Response Team following a deadly boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, where at least 25 persons are feared dead.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed the Agency’s Maiduguri Operations Office to immediately mobilise personnel to support ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected area.
The incident occurred at about 7:48 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when a canoe conveying 52 passengers capsized midway across a water channel. The passengers were travelling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State after returning from fishing and farming activities.
NEMA said it was alerted to the mishap by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) and has since been working in close collaboration with YOSEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), local divers and community volunteers to intensify rescue efforts.
As of the latest update, 25 persons have been confirmed dead, while 13 others have been rescued alive. Fourteen passengers remain missing, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Mrs. Umar expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to ensuring that all missing persons are accounted for.
She also urged riverine communities to adhere strictly to safety measures, particularly by avoiding the overloading of boats and ensuring the use of life-saving devices during water transportation.
NEMA assured that further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
About The Author
