Massive Search Underway After Boat Capsize Kills 25 in Northern Nigeria

At least 25 people have died, and 13 others were rescued following a fatal boat accident in Nigeria, officials said on Sunday.

The incident occurred late on Saturday when a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized while travelling from Adiyani in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, according to local authorities. A preliminary report said 14 passengers remain missing.

Rescue teams, including emergency responders and security personnel, recovered survivors from the water and transported them to nearby medical facilities for further care, officials added.

Mohammed Goje, executive secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the casualties and said search and rescue operations were ongoing in cooperation with local volunteers and security agencies.

Boating accidents are common in the region, where many communities depend on waterways for transportation and fishing, and where vessels may be overcrowded and lack safety measures.