Tragedy struck in Borno State on Monday when a boat ferrying farmers across the River Kubo in Shani Local Government Area (LGA) capsized, claiming three lives.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, involved about 20 farmers who were heading to their farmlands with harvested yams.
According to the North-East zonal office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 17 passengers were rescued, while three bodies were retrieved from the water.
The Chairman of Shani LGA, Abdu Labaki, NEMA disclosed that the mishap was caused by overloading.
“Honourable Chairman of Shani LGA said the incident occurred in the early hours of today, 25th August, 2025, involving 20 farmers in their effort to be conveyed to their farms located over the river site.
“The boat capsized due to overloading. Seventeen people were rescued alive, but 3 died and their bodies were recovered.”,” the agency stated.
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A resident, Audu Abu, who spoke with Punch confirmed the accident, noting that community members had joined the rescue operation.
He suggested that the number of passengers could have been higher than reported, saying, “The canoe, which was carrying over 27 people, met with an unfortunate accident, leaving three people dead.”
Abu added his condolences to the bereaved families, expressing prayers for the safety of others still unaccounted for.
The accident comes at a time when parts of Borno have been grappling with heavy flooding, which has destroyed homes and farmlands, further complicating the plight of rural dwellers.
The incident occurred after 30 persons were reportedly involved in a boat mishap on Friday in Garin-Faji, Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Meanwhile, according to the NEMA report shared on Sunday, out of the 30 persons who boarded the boat, 21 survived, including the canoe operator; three persons were yet to be found, and six bodies were recovered. Rescue operations were still underway.
