ABUJA — At least 25 people were confirmed dead after a canoe capsized in northern Nigeria, officials said Sunday.

The incident occurred late Saturday when a canoe carrying 52 passengers overturned while traveling from the town of Adiyani in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa state to Garbi in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe state.

Authorities said 13 passengers were rescued, while 14 others remain missing, according to a preliminary report.

Mohammed Goje, executive secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, said the victims were traveling for fishing, farming and other local business activities when the canoe capsized mid-journey.

“The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency can confirm the unfortunate canoe mishap that occurred along the Nguru waterway,” Goje said.

“Our search and rescue teams are still working in collaboration with security agencies and local community volunteers to find those missing.” — Agencies