The death toll from Saturday’s boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe has risen to 29, with four more bodies recovered from the river.
Executive Secretary of the state’s Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr Mohammad Goje, disclosed this in a statement in Damaturu on Monday.
He announced that 8-10 passengers are still missing, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Thirteen injured passengers have been treated and discharged from a local hospital.
Preliminary reports suggest overloading and structural defects caused the accident.
Governor Mai Mala Buni has directed YOSEMA to work with federal agencies to improve water transportation safety, including enforcing life jacket use.
The ill-fated boat was traveling from Adiyani in Jigawa to Garbi town when it capsized, carrying over 50 passengers, mostly farmers and traders.
