At a Glance
- 25 people dead after a passenger boat capsized on Nigeria’s Yobe River.
- 14 passengers missing; 13 rescued.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing with security agencies and community volunteers.
Why it matters: The incident underscores the ongoing safety risks of river transport in remote Nigerian regions.
A passenger boat carrying residents heading to a local market capsized on the Yobe River in Garbi town on Saturday night, killing 25 people and leaving 14 missing. The vessel, which had 52 passengers, overturned mid-journey, according to the Yobe emergency management agency.
Incident Details
The boat was transporting marketgoers, fishermen and farmers. Out of the 52 passengers, 13 were rescued and are receiving medical assistance.
Response Efforts
Search and rescue operations are underway, with security agencies, emergency responders and local community volunteers working tirelessly to locate missing passengers and recover bodies.
| Status | Number |
|---|---|
| Dead | 25 |
| Missing | 14 |
| Rescued | 13 |
| Total | 52 |
Yobe Gov. Mai Mala Buni offered condolences to affected families and directed that all necessary medical and logistical support be provided immediately to victims receiving treatment.
> “We are providing immediate medical and logistical support to the victims,” said Yobe Gov. Mai Mala Buni.
Key Takeaways
- 25 people died in the capsizing.
- 14 passengers remain missing.
- 13 survivors are receiving medical care.
The tragedy highlights the need for improved safety measures on river transport in Nigeria’s remote areas.
