State government pledges safety reforms, distributes ₦20m relief after Nguru boat accident claims 29 lives
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has extended the state government’s condolences to victims of the recent boat accident in Nguru Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Idi Barde-Gubana, paid a sympathy visit to survivors and families of the deceased, describing the incident as a devastating loss not only to the affected families but also to Nguru Local Government Area and Yobe State at large.
As part of immediate relief efforts, the state government announced a cash assistance package totaling ₦20 million, alongside food support for victims. Each bereaved family received ₦500,000, while each rescued victim was given ₦200,000.
The government delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam-Wali; a member of the House of Representatives from the area, Tijjani Zanna-Zakariya; the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Ya’u Dachia; and other senior government officials from the zone.
Speaking in Hausa, Deputy Governor Barde-Gubana described the tragedy as an act of God and assured residents of concrete steps to prevent a recurrence.
“This incident is a painful loss that no one can change, as it is the will of God. However, the governor has directed that all boat operators in riverine communities will henceforth be trained on modern boating techniques,” he said.
He added that the state government would also supply life jackets to communities that rely heavily on water transportation to improve safety.
Barde-Gubana further disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been instructed to provide food assistance to the 52 survivors of the accident.
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting affected families while strengthening safety measures across riverine areas to prevent future tragedies.
