Twenty-Six Dead in Canoe Mishap on River Badin

January 4, 2026

By Editor

A tragic canoe accident on the River Badin, near the Adiyani community in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State and the Garbi community in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, has claimed the lives of 26 individuals, with several others injured.

According to a statement from Guri Local Government Area’s Information Officer, Muhammad Umar Hadejia, disclosed that three victims were from Adiyani, while 23 were from Garbi in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.

Honourable Abubakar Umar Danbarde, Chairman, Guri Local Government Council, informed journalists after the funeral prayers for the three Adiyani victims that the incident occurred around 9:00 PM as they traveled by canoe to Garbi.

“The local government, in collaboration with residents, conducted rescue operations to ensure that the injured were promptly transported to hospitals for treatment before returning home” the Chairman said.

To address transportation challenges and minimize the risk of similar accidents, the Chairman announced plans to introduce modern water transportation facilities. Additionally, he proposed a by-law banning canoe transportation from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM to enhance safety, urging security agencies to enforce this restriction.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Alhaji Charo Aminami of Adiyani called for acceptance of the incident as divine will and offered prayers for the deceased.