A somber atmosphere enveloped Yauri town in Kebbi State after a devastating canoe accident claimed the lives of four individuals and left several others in need of urgent medical attention. The tragic incident occurred on the bustling riverbank near the Yauri town market, where a canoe ferrying passengers capsized amidst rising floodwaters.
According to the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the boat was navigating through the market river route when it was overwhelmed by strong currents, leading to its sudden capsizing. Chaos ensued as passengers plunged into the turbulent waters, triggering a frantic rescue effort from bystanders and emergency responders.
Nafiu Nuhu, the Disaster Management Team Leader for the Red Cross in the Yauri region, confirmed the fatalities, stating that three lifeless bodies were recovered on Tuesday and transported to Hikiya, a nearby village located across the Yauri River. The fourth body was later retrieved during ongoing search efforts.
“Some of the victims were rescued from the submerging accident with the timely intervention of our dedicated members, working in collaboration with officials from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and courageous members of the local community,” Nafiu said.
Rescue operations were swift and intense, with emergency teams from the Red Cross Society of Nigeria leading the charge. They worked in tandem with NIWA personnel and residents, combing the riverbanks and navigating the floodwaters to locate and save survivors. Emergency medical aid was immediately provided to the rescued, many of whom were in shock and suffering from water inhalation.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as heartbreaking, with desperate cries for help echoing across the river as rescuers scrambled to save lives. “It was a terrifying moment. People were shouting, others jumped in to help. The community came together, but sadly, we couldn’t save everyone,” said a local trader who witnessed the incident.
The cause of the accident is believed to be linked to severe flooding and overloading — a persistent issue on many of Nigeria’s inland waterways. Authorities are now calling for stricter enforcement of safety protocols for water transport, especially during the rainy season when rivers often swell dangerously.
This tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved water transport infrastructure and public awareness on safe boating practices. Community leaders and emergency agencies have pledged to intensify efforts to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
As Kebbi State mourns the loss of its citizens, tributes are pouring in for the bravery of the rescuers and the resilience of the local community that stood together in the face of adversity.
PIONEER NEWS 