Eight die in boat mishap in Yobe

From Manu Isa Damaturu

Eight people are confirmed dead in a boat accident that occured at Jumbam village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State on Saturday.

Executive Secretary of the  Yobe State Emergency Agency (YOSEMA),  Mohammed Goje, said that seven bodies have so far been recovered by divers on the rescue operation.

“The number of dead bodies recovered so far is 8 but our local divers are still working on recovering more bodies from the accident,” Goje said.

“There are also eight people that are injured and are on admission at General Hospital at Dapchi”

He said the accident occurred because the two overloaded passenger boats heading for Babangida market capsized. 

Locals resorted to water transportation and use of locally fabricated boats after  and road in the area was severed by flood.

Goje disclosed that the agency, following the directives of Governor Mai Buni, has commenced rescue operations.

The agency is also seeking alternative ways to access the trapped communities with relief items, he said.

Governor Buni expressed sadness at the incident, is expected to visit the community to assess the impact of the flood and commiserate with victims.

The governor through his spokesman Mammam Mohammed, commiserated with the people over the boat mishap.