Boat Capsizes on Yobe River, Killing 25 and Leaving 14 Missing

A passenger boat carrying 52 people capsized on the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria, on Saturday evening, killing at least 25 and leaving 14 missing as rescue efforts continued into Sunday.

The incident occurred around 7:48 p.m. as the vessel traveled from Adiyani town in neighboring Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi. Passengers, primarily farmers, traders, and fishermen, were returning from local market activities, fishing, and farming when the boat overturned mid-journey. The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, known as YOSEMA, confirmed the details in a statement from its executive secretary, Dr. Mohammad Goje.

Of the 52 aboard, 13 were rescued and are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital, according to YOSEMA. Recovery teams have retrieved 25 bodies so far, while search operations persist along the river. Security agencies, emergency responders, and community volunteers are collaborating on the efforts, with additional teams dispatched from Bade and Nguru local government areas to support the work on the ground.

Goje described the scene as chaotic but emphasized the commitment to accountability. "Our...