Boat capsizes in Nigeria’s Yobe state, leaving 25 dead and 14 missing

YOBE, Nigeria (AP) — A passenger boat capsized in the north of Nigeria At least 25 people have died and 14 are missing in Yobe state, emergency services said on Sunday.

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.

boat accidents Hundreds of people are killed every year in Nigeria, especially in remote areas where water transportation is common due to the convenience of business owners and the lack of good roads. At least 30 passengers He died when their boat capsized in September. 25 more people He died in similar circumstances 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 statement from the government.