BREAKING: At Least 25 Dead, Dozens Missing After Canoe Capsizes on Yobe-Jigawa Border

A late evening canoe disaster has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 14 others still missing, after the overloaded vessel capsized on the border between Yobe and Jigawa states.

The tragic accident occurred at approximately 7:48 p.m. on Saturday, January 3rd. The canoe, which was carrying 52 passengers, sank mid-journey while traveling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State.

According to Dr. Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), 13 people have been rescued alive so far.The victims were primarily returning from a day of fishing, farming, and local business activities in Adiyani.

Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, involving SEMA teams from Bade and Nguru, local security agencies, emergency responders, and community volunteers. Efforts are now focused on locating the missing individuals and recovering bodies.

"The agency remains fully committed until the operation is concluded,"Dr. Goje stated, noting that operations are ongoing and being intensified.

Yobe State Governor,Mai Mala Buni, described the incident as "painful and distressing"and has commiserated with the families of the victims and the communities of Nguru and Guri LGAs.

The Governor has issued a directive for immediate medical and logistical support to be provided to all survivors receiving treatment. 

He emphasized the urgent need for expedited referral services to save lives.

The state government has assured the public of continued support to the affected families and reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough rescue operation.