Black weekend: 49 die, scores missing in Jigawa, Yobe boat mishaps

No fewer than 49 persons reportedly died in boat mishaps which occurred in Jigawa State and Yobe State at the weekend.

In Jigawa State, the Police confirmed 24 persons dead in a canoe mishap that occurred on Sunday in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident in a statement in Dutse.

Shiisu said 16 people were earlier reportedly dead, while 10 others were rescued, with 14 missing after the canoe capsized in Adiyani village of Guri Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson added the number of persons that died in the incident later rose to 24.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 25 persons died while 14 others are still missing after a boat capsized along Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of the state.

Dr Mohammad Goje, Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), disclosed this in a statement in Damaturu on Sunday.

He said the incident occurred at about 7:48 pm on January 3, after the victims, who were mainly farmers and traders, boarded the boat in Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa.

“The victims were reportedly returning from Adiyani town, where they were engaged in fishing, farming, and other local business activities, when the canoe overturned mid-journey,” Goje said.

The executive secretary, however, said 13 passengers were rescued from the disaster and were receiving treatment in a hospital.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies.

“SEMA search and Rescue Team from Bade and Nguru have since been dispatched to support the team on ground,” he said.

Goje said Gov. Mai Mala Buni had extended his condolences to the families of the victims and directed YOSEMA to provide medical and logistical support to the rescued victims.

The executive secretary said the governor had emphasized that referral services must be expedited without delay to save lives.

Relatedly, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has mourned the tragic boat mishap in Yobe State, in which at least 25 passengers lost their lives while 14 others remain missing, after a passenger boat capsized along the Yobe River in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area, while returning from local commercial activities.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, speaking for the Forum in a statement on Sunday, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident “as a painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise safety in all forms of transportation.”

The Forum urged relevant authorities to intensify search and rescue operations, ensure that survivors receive immediate medical attention, and review and enforce safety protocols to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

The NSGF Chairman appealed to citizens across the North to remain united, calm and compassionate, supporting one another during difficult moments, while reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to working with all relevant agencies to tackle insecurity, strengthen emergency response systems and support communities affected by tragic incidents.