At least 14 people have lost their lives after a boat carrying wedding guests capsized in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The tragic incident occurred at Gumbi village in Gumbi Ward, Yauri LGA, shortly after the passengers had accompanied a bride to her husband’s home in Gwarzo village, Ngaski LGA.
The celebrants were returning home when the overloaded boat overturned, throwing more than 100 passengers into the water.
Of the confirmed fatalities, 13 were women and one was a child.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris was represented at the funeral prayer by the Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shu’aibu. The governor extended condolences to the bereaved families, the local government, the emirate council, and the entire people of Yauri.
Addressing the grieving community, the chairman appealed for acceptance of the tragedy with faith, stating:
“I appeal to you to accept this in good faith, bearing in mind that nothing happens without the knowledge of our Creator. God does what He wants at the time He wants, and nobody has the right to question Him.”
He prayed for Allah to forgive any shortcomings of the deceased and grant them Jannatul Firdaus (the highest level of Paradise).
All the victims have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The boat mishap underscores the persistent dangers associated with water transportation in many parts of Nigeria, particularly during communal events when vessels are often overcrowded.
