Three persons have died after a boat conveying farmers capsized in Kubo ward, Shani Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred on Monday, August 25, 2025, when the farmers were on their way to farmlands across the river.
According to the North-East Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the boat was carrying 20 farmers at the time of the mishap, with 17 rescued alive.
Quoting the Chairman of Shani Local Government Area, Abdu Labaki, the agency said the boat capsized as a result of 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 three died and their bodies were recovered,” NEMA said.
A resident, Audu Abu, who also confirmed the incident, told reporters that search efforts were still ongoing to ascertain if more passengers were on board.
“The tragic canoe crash occurred at River Kubo in Shani Local Government Area, specifically in Kubo Ward. The canoe, which was carrying over 27 people, met with an unfortunate accident, leaving three people dead. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this incident, and may Allah grant protection and safety to all,” Abu said.
Boat mishaps are recurrent in riverine communities across Borno and other parts of the North, often linked to overloading and poor enforcement of safety measures.
