The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its Maiduguri Operations Office following a deadly boat mishap in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State that has claimed at least 25 lives.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, ordered the immediate deployment of an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to reinforce ongoing rescue efforts after the canoe accident occurred on Saturday evening.
According to NEMA, the incident was reported by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) and happened at about 7:48 p.m. on January 3, 2026.
The ill-fated canoe was reportedly conveying 52 passengers from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA of Yobe State when it capsized midway across a water channel.
Most of the passengers were said to be returning from fishing and farming activities when the tragedy struck.
“As at the time of this report, 25 persons have been confirmed dead, while 13 persons have been rescued alive through the combined efforts of emergency responders and community volunteers,” Mrs. Umar stated.
She added that 14 persons are still missing, noting that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The NEMA Director-General said the Agency’s team is working closely with YOSEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), local divers and community volunteers to intensify rescue operations.
Mrs. Umar expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and reassured them of NEMA’s full commitment to the operation.
She also renewed her call on riverine communities to prioritise safety, warning against boat overloading and non-use of life jackets during water transportation.
“Preventable tragedies like this underscore the urgent need for strict adherence to water safety measures,” she said.
NEMA said further updates would be provided as rescue efforts continue.
Boat Tragedy in Yobe: NEMA Deploys Emergency Team as Death Toll Hits 25
