Five Teenagers Killed In Gombe Boat Accident, Gov Yahaya Mourns
Five teenagers have been killed in a boat accident in the Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The victims of the unfortunate incident, which happened on Saturday, were identified as Najib Ibrahim (18), Hauwa’u Dogal (15), Ummati Baraya (16), Umaira Gidado (16), and Amina Jaliya (15).
Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as heart-wrenching and painful, especially considering the tender ages of the victims and the grief it has brought upon their families and the entire Nafada community.
“This is a very tragic and unfortunate incident that has cut short the lives of promising young people. My heart goes out to their parents, families, and the entire Nafada community at this difficult time,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Director-General (Press Affairs) at the Government House, Ismaila Misilli.
“The loss of these young souls is not only a tragedy to their immediate families but to all of us as a people,” the governor added.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of the Nafada Local Government Area, praying Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
He also stressed the need for strict adherence to safety standards in water transportation, calling on local government councils, community leaders, boat operators, and regulatory agencies to intensify efforts towards ensuring that all safety protocols are observed to prevent future tragedies.
He further directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nafada local government council to provide every possible support to the affected families and work closely with relevant agencies to enhance safety and awareness in riverine communities.
“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives their shortcomings and grants them Jannatul Firdaus,” Governor Yahaya added.
Nigeria has recorded a number of boat accidents in 2025, with recent cases reported in the North-Central and North-West regions.
The incident came about a month after 26 traders died in a boat accident in the River Niger.
The traders were reportedly travelling from the Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to the Ilushi market in Edo State, on the evening of Tuesday, September 30, 2025, when the incident occurred.
A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the death toll.
In Niger State, 27 people were confirmed dead in a boat accident that occurred at Gausawa, along the Malale–Kainji Lake route in the Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The wooden boat, which was reportedly carrying 138 passengers, capsized along the Shagunu–Dunga axis on Kainji Lake.
Rescue operations led by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) revealed that 46 men, 58 women, and an undisclosed number of children were saved with the aid of life jackets.
Also, the police in Sokoto confirmed in September that 10 people lost their lives in a boat accident in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state.
