Yobe boat mishap: Death toll rises to 29, more bodies recovered, eight still missing

The death toll from the tragic boat mishap in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, has risen from 25 to 29 following the recovery of more bodies.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency provided the update, noting that of the 29 recovered bodies, 24 were from Nguru LGA, two from Yusufari LGA, and three from Gurin LGA in Jigawa State.

According to the agency, 12 persons were rescued and discharged, three were hospitalised, and two have since been discharged while search-and-rescue operation is still ongoing for another eight.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has activated the agency’s Maiduguri Operations Office to deploy an Emergency Response Team to support ongoing rescue efforts following the tragic boat mishap.

This was contained in a statement from the agency, which indicated that the NEMA team will coordinate with the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen search-and-rescue operations.

“The Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the commitment of NEMA to continue working closely with Yobe SEMA, the Local Emergency Management Committee, local divers and community volunteers to support the operation,” the statement said.

The NEMA DG also reiterated her appeal to riverine communities to prioritise safety by avoiding the overloading of boats and ensuring the use of life-saving devices during water transportation.