Yobe State Governor, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, has expressed profound grief over a devastating boat accident that claimed the lives of 29 individuals, with search and rescue operations ongoing for 11 others still missing.
Governor Buni's Condolence and Directives
In a statement released on Tuesday in Damaturu by his Director General of Media and Press Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, Governor Buni described receiving the news of the mishap with a heavy heart. The tragic incident occurred in the Nguru local council area, involving a canoe that capsized on the Yobe/Kumadugu River.
The Governor lamented the colossal loss to both the state and the bereaved families, who were primarily farmers and traders. He immediately directed the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside volunteers, to provide free medical treatment to the 13 passengers who were rescued.
Furthermore, Governor Buni approved the sum of N500,000 for the dignified burial of the deceased, to be conducted according to Islamic rites.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The canoe was carrying 52 passengers on a journey from Adiyani in Jigawa State to Garbi in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State. It capsized on Saturday at 7:35 p.m., leading to the tragic loss of life.
Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, confirmed that the death toll had risen from an initial 25 to 29 confirmed fatalities. He emphasized that rescue efforts are focused on finding the 11 individuals still missing in the river, which flows into Lake Chad in neighbouring Borno State.
Intensified Search and Safety Warnings
Governor Buni has ordered SEMA, the State Fire Service, and the Nguru local government authorities to mobilize additional rescue teams. The objective is to intensify the search for the missing victims, who have been in the water for two days.
In response to the disaster, the Governor issued a stern warning against practices that lead to such tragedies. He specifically cautioned against overloading boats and canoes and the dangerous practice of sailing at night on the state's rivers and streams.
He explained that these measures are crucial to prevent accidents, such as collisions with submerged objects and tree trunks commonly found in the waterways of the Lake Chad River Basin.
As the search continues, Governor Buni has directed SEMA to provide immediate support to the families of the deceased. He also offered prayers for the repose of the souls lost and expressed hope that more survivors would be found and reunited with their families in Nguru and surrounding communities.
