At least three people died and 17 wounded after a boat mishap in Shani Local Government Area of Southern part of Borno Sate on Monday.

BusinessDay gathered that the incident happened at around 10:30 in morning at River Kubo, Kubo ward area of Shani LGA of the State.

Musa Mohammed, an eye-witness, who disclosed the incident via phone call to BusinessDay, said that the search efforts were being conducted to locate the missing individuals and their safe return.

Musa said, “Innalillahi wa innailaihi raji’un (an Islamic way of mourning). A 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 the unfortunate accident, leaving three persons dead.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this incident, and may Allah grant protection and safety to all.”

Confirming the incident National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) operation office Maiduguri, noted that the Agency had received report on Boat mishap in Kubo Ward, Shani LGA of Borno State.

“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 indicated.