Tinubu Mourns Victims of Adamawa Flood, Niger Boat Tragedy

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in two separate disasters—the flooding incident in Yola, Adamawa State, and a boat mishap in Guni village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and communities affected by the tragedies. He also praised the courage and commitment of the Adamawa and Niger State Emergency Management Agencies, local divers, volunteers, and traditional leaders who are involved in the ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

“Despite ongoing enlightenment campaigns by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), such incidents continue to occur,” President Tinubu observed, stressing that flooding remains a global challenge driven by climate change. He warned, however, that local practices often worsen the impact.

He urged citizens, particularly those who depend on water transport for their livelihoods, to strictly follow safety regulations and called on opinion leaders and authorities to intensify awareness campaigns on waterway safety.

To support ongoing relief operations, President Tinubu directed the National Emergency Response Centre and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate closely with Adamawa and Niger State governments to ensure timely and adequate support for affected communities.

According to NEMA, five people lost their lives and 55 others were injured during the weekend flooding in Yola. In a separate tragedy, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that a boat carrying 39 passengers capsized near Guni village on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals—including eight women, three men, and two children. The other 26 passengers were rescued.

NSEMA’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Malik Baba Suleiman, confirmed that all 13 victims had been buried in line with Islamic customs. Preliminary findings suggest that water turbulence and overloading may have caused the accident, though investigations are ongoing.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially disclosed.