In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the dangers of waterway travel in rural Nigeria, at least 25 people have been confirmed dead and 14 others remain missing after a heavily loaded canoe capsized in the Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The accident occurred around 7:48 p.m. local time as the vessel, carrying 52 passengers, was en route from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of neighboring Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru LGA.
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) confirmed the details on Sunday, January 4, through its Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje. In a statement, Goje explained that the victims—primarily farmers, fishermen, and traders—were returning home after engaging in daily economic activities in Adiyani. "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," he said.
According to YOSEMA, 13 passengers were rescued alive and are receiving medical treatment, while search and rescue operations continue intensively for the 14 missing individuals. Teams from Bade and Nguru LGAs have been deployed, working alongside security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers, including divers. "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," Goje added.
Eyewitnesses and preliminary investigations suggest the canoe may have capsized due to leakage or overloading, common factors in such incidents. Police in Jigawa State corroborated the leakage theory. A resident from Adiyani, Babagana Shettima, described the panic that ensued when the boat failed to arrive on schedule: "When the boat's arrival was delayed, relatives raised the alarm. It was later discovered the canoe had capsized halfway. Divers recovered some bodies."
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed profound grief over the tragedy, describing it as a "monumental loss" to the affected families and the state. In a statement issued by his Director General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Muhammad, the governor commiserated with the bereaved and directed immediate provision of medical and logistical support to the survivors. He emphasized expedited referral services to save lives and extended condolences to communities in both Nguru and Guri LGAs.
The incident has spotlighted the persistent risks associated with river transportation in northeastern Nigeria, where waterways like the Yobe River serve as vital lifelines for remote communities lacking adequate road infrastructure. Nguru, approximately 230 kilometers from the state capital Damaturu, relies heavily on such routes for trade in agricultural produce, fish, and other goods. Overloading, poorly maintained vessels, absence of life jackets, and navigation during low-visibility hours contribute to frequent accidents.
Nigeria records hundreds of fatalities from boat mishaps annually, with similar tragedies in recent years claiming dozens of lives across states like Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto. Advocacy groups and experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), including bans on night travel and mandatory passenger limits. In 2025, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy described recurring boat accidents as a "national emergency" requiring collective action.
As rescue efforts persist amid challenging river conditions, families in Garbi and Adiyani await news of their loved ones. The community has mobilized volunteers, reflecting the tight-knit nature of these rural areas where economic survival often depends on perilous daily journeys. Authorities have assured that updates will follow as more information emerges from the ongoing operations.
This latest disaster adds to the toll of waterway incidents in Nigeria, prompting renewed demands for investment in safer alternatives like improved roads and regulated ferry services. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the human cost serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by millions in underserved regions.
