25 killed, 13 rescued as passenger boat capsizes
At least 25 persons are feared dead while 13 others were rescued after a passenger boat capsized in Yobe State, according to emergency officials.
The incident occurred on the Gashua – Bade waterway, a popular river route linking riverine communities in Bade Local Government Area of the state. The boat was reportedly conveying passengers when it overturned mid-journey, plunging occupants into the river.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) confirmed the incident through its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Adamu Sule, who said rescue operations were immediately launched following distress alerts from local residents.
According to Sule, preliminary findings indicated that the boat was overloaded, a factor believed to have contributed to the accident. He added that 13 survivors were pulled out alive and rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while search and recovery operations were ongoing to locate missing passengers.
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Local divers, community volunteers, and security personnel joined YOSEMA officials in the rescue effort. As of the time of filing this report, 25 passengers were still unaccounted for and feared dead, though authorities said the figure could change as operations continue.
Reacting to the tragedy, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed relevant agencies to provide emergency support and relief to victims’ families. He also ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident and warned against the use of overcrowded and poorly maintained watercraft.
The identities of the deceased and rescued passengers have not yet been officially released, while authorities continue to document victims and notify families.
Residents of riverine communities have repeatedly called on the government to improve water transport safety, including enforcement of passenger limits and provision of life-saving equipment.
Search operations remained ongoing as of the time of this report.
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