Boat Capsize in Northern Nigeria Leaves at Least 25 Dead

At least 25 people have died and 14 others remain missing after a boat capsized in northern Nigeria’s Yobe State. Officials confirmed the incident on Sunday as rescue teams continued searching the river.

The accident happened late on Saturday, shortly before 8 p.m. local time. A large wooden canoe carrying 52 passengers overturned on the Yobe River near Garbi town.

Rescue Efforts Continue

The boat had departed from Adiyani village in neighbouring Jigawa State and was heading to Garbi when it capsized. Mohammed Goje, head of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, said rescue teams saved 13 passengers alive. Medical teams are treating the survivors.

So far, responders have recovered 25 bodies. Meanwhile, emergency workers, volunteers and security agencies continue searching for the remaining 14 people.

Authorities Cite Possible Negligence

Police in Jigawa State confirmed the accident and said the canoe may have leaked before overturning. Authorities also reported that the operator ignored safety rules, including restrictions on night travel and overloading.

“It was a market day, and the passengers were returning home after trading,” said police spokesperson Lawan Adam. He added that authorities would prosecute the boat operator for negligence if he survives.

Investigators believe the canoe carried more passengers than allowed. As a result, officials have warned that legal action could follow.

A Recurrent Tragedy

Local residents said the victims came from both Adiyani village and Garbi town. When the boat failed to arrive, families raised the alarm. Divers later found the canoe overturned mid-river.

Boat accidents remain common in Nigeria’s rural areas. Many communities rely on waterways due to poor road access. However, safety measures often remain weak.

In a similar incident last September, an overloaded boat sank in Niger State, killing at least 60 people after hitting a tree stump.