25 Confirmed Dead as Canoe Capsizes in Yobe State, 14 Still Missing

At least 25 people have been confirmed dead, while 13 others were rescued alive, following a canoe accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 3, 2026, at about 7:48 pm. The canoe was said to be carrying no fewer than 52 passengers who were traveling from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA, Yobe State, when it capsized.

Confirming the development, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, disclosed that 14 passengers are still missing as rescue and search operations continue.

In a statement, Mohammed said: “The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency can confirm the unfortunate canoe mishap that occurred along the Nguru waterway. Preliminary reports available to us indicate that 52 persons were on board the canoe before it capsized, resulting in confirmed fatalities, rescues, and some passengers still missing.

“So far, 13 passengers have been successfully rescued, while 14 others remain missing. 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,” he said.

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

See photos below……….