Boat capsize in Nigeria kills 25 and leaves 14 missing

Emergency services reported that a passenger boat capsized in Yobe state in northern Nigeria, killing at least 25 people and leaving 14 missing.

The Yobe emergency management agency said the boat was carrying residents heading to the local market as well as some residents engaged in fishing or farming when it capsized along the Yobe River in Garbi town, Yobe state, on Saturday night.

The agency said in a statement that 13 of the 52 passengers on the boat were rescued and received medical attention.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency response teams and local community volunteers working tirelessly to locate missing passengers and recover bodies,” the agency added.

The disaster response agency said the boat capsized midway through the voyage, without providing further details.

In Nigeria, boating accidents kill hundreds of people every year, especially in remote areas where water transportation is common due to the convenience of business owners and the lack of good roads.

While at least 30 passengers lost their lives when their boats capsized in September, another 25 passengers lost their lives in similar situations in July.

Past accidents have often been caused by overloaded and poorly maintained ships, many operating without life jackets.

Yobe governor Mai Mala Buni expressed his condolences to the families affected by Saturday’s accident and directed that all necessary medical and logistical support be immediately provided to the victims receiving treatment, according to a government statement.