In what Governor Mai Mala Buni described as a “monumental loss” for Yobe State, the death toll from the Nguru boat mishap has reached 29. The Governor extended his deepest sympathies to the families as search operations continue for those still missing.
However, Search and rescue operations have now confirmed 29 fatalities in the Nguru boat tragedy. The victims include 24 residents of Nguru and two from Yusufari in Yobe State, alongside three individuals from Gurin, Jigawa State. While 12 survivors have been treated and discharged from the hospital, the search remains intensive for eight passengers still missing.
Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed deep sorrow upon receiving news of the “shocking and devastating” boat mishap in Nguru Local Government Area.
In a condolence message, he Sympathizes the loss of 29 lives and prayed for the repose of the deceased. While 13 individuals have been rescued and are receiving state-directed medical care, the Governor remains hopeful that search operations will reunite the eight still missing with their families.
The tragic boat mishap, which occurred on the night of Saturday, January 3, 2026, has now claimed 29 lives following the recovery of additional bodies. The boat was conveying 52 passengers—primarily farmers and traders—from Adiyani in Guri LGA, Jigawa State, to Garbi in Nguru LGA, Yobe State, when it capsized mid-journey. Of the deceased, 24 were from Nguru, two from Yusufari, and three from Gurin.
Governor Mai Mala Buni has expressed deep sorrow over the “monumental loss,” directing the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) to provide immediate support to bereaved families. While 12 survivors have been treated and discharged, search and rescue operations continue for eight passengers still missing. The Governor further cautioned against overloading, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
