Yobe Govt Donates N20m to Families of Boat Accident, Orders Safety Reforms
The Yobe State Government has approved a ₦20 million financial intervention for victims and families affected by the recent boat accident in Garbi town, Nguru Local Government Area of the state.
The donation was announced by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Gubana, during a condolence visit to the Nguru Emirate Council and survivors of the incident.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Damaturu by his Press Secretary, Hussaini Mai-Sule.
The tragic incident occurred earlier this month when a boat conveying passengers from Adiyani town in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru capsized in the River Yobe.
The boat was reportedly carrying about 52 people, many of whom were farmers, traders and individuals returning from fishing activities.
During the visit, Gubana directed that the donated funds be distributed among injured passengers and the families of those who lost their lives.
“He directed that the money should be shared among the injured passengers and the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
“The deputy governor prayed to Allah to grant eternal rest to the immediate families of the deceased and give them the fortitude to bear the losses,” the statement said.
Beyond financial support, the deputy governor ordered the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to commence training and sensitisation programmes for canoe and boat operators across riverine communities in the area.
He also assured residents that the state government would provide modern boats and life jackets to improve safety on inland waterways.
Gubana warned operators against overloading boats, describing it as a major contributor to recurring water transport accidents in the state.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) has confirmed the casualty figures from the accident.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Dr Mohammed Goje, said the incident happened on January 3 shortly after the boat departed from Adiyani town in neighbouring Jigawa State.
“Of the 52 passengers, mainly farmers and traders, who were on board during the accident, sadly, 29 persons are confirmed dead,15 were rescued, and 8 others are still missing,” he said.
Goje added that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, with local divers working under the supervision of YOSEMA to locate the missing passengers.
The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of water transport safety measures in riverine communities across the region.
