Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Buhari saddened by Kebbi boat tragedy: Garba Shehu

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is saddened by the Kebbi boat tragedy in which scores of people drowned.

• May 27, 2021
A composite of President Muhammadu Buhari and a capsized boat used to illustrate the story.
A composite of President Muhammadu Buhari and a capsized boat used to illustrate the story.

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is saddened by the Kebbi boat tragedy in which scores of people drowned.

The boat capsized in Ngaski local government area on Wednesday, with no fewer than 150 people reported missing.

Mr Buhari offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy.

The president made his feelings known in a statement by his media aide Garba Shehu on Wednesday.

While efforts are ongoing to recover more survivors, Mr Buhari extended his gratitude to those involved in the rescue efforts.

He also wished those injured from the accident quick recovery. 

The chairman of Warrah Local Government Council, Abdullahi Haruna, who confirmed the incident, said it happened at about 11:00 a.m.

The chairman, however, said 22 people who wore life jackets had been rescued, adding that the rescue operation was ongoing.

The police spokesman in the state, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the development.

A witness had earlier told the News Agency of Nigeria that the boat took off from Loko in Niger with over 150 passengers. 

“We are afraid that many people may have died from this mishap because, according to a report, the boat took off with over 150 persons, and many are still missing,” said the witness. 

The witness also disclosed that many people came to the town from Niger searching for their loved ones.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Burial of Ebola victims

Africa

Ebola deaths in DR Congo hit 3,200

Ebola virus continues to spread in the eastern provinces of the DRC, with more than 3,200 deaths reported, the UN said.

Education

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim as acting bursar

NOUN said Ms Ibrahim’s appointment took effect from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and would remain in force until further notice.

States

Yayi can’t win Ogun election, he is Sulaimon Ogunleye from Ekiti: Wale Adedayo

Mr Adedayo alleged that Mr Adeola was originally Sulaimon Ogunleye from Ekiti State but now falsely claims Ogun State ancestry for political gains.

World

FG condemns fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

“Nigeria regards the fresh hostilities as a serious threat not only to the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia but also to regional stability in the Middle East,” he said.

Nasiru Marafa

Education

NOUN declares three-day mourning for slain bursar

The university said, “The mourning period commenced on Monday, September 7 and would end on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Nasarawa State University, Keffi

States

Nasarawa varsity seeks assembly intervention to end ASUU strike

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has appealed to the House of Assembly to intervene in the ongoing ASUU strike.