YOBE STATE, Nigeria – A tragic boating accident in northeastern Nigeria’s Yobe State has resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people, with 14 still missing. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a large boat carrying approximately 52 passengers capsized.
According to Mohammed Goje, head of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, the boat had departed from Adiani village in Jigawa State, heading towards Garin in Yobe State. It is believed the accident happened before 8 PM local time.
Emergency teams, local volunteers, and security agencies are currently engaged in search and rescue operations. So far, 13 passengers have been rescued, while the search continues for the remaining 14 missing individuals. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered.
Police in Jigawa State confirmed the incident, stating that a leak caused the boat to capsize. Lawan Adam, a police spokesperson, indicated that the boat was likely overloaded, and safety regulations prohibiting night travel were disregarded. He further stated that the driver, if found alive, would face charges of negligence.
Deadly boat accidents are tragically common in Nigeria, often attributed to lax safety standards and the operation of vessels without adequate safety measures. Overloading is a significant contributing factor in many of these incidents.
This latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations and improved safety awareness among boat operators and passengers in Nigeria. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.