A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa State.

The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late Monday night, DAILY POST learnt on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about 30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.

Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources, while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.

Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered three stolen bulls valued at N1.73 million in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as 40-year-old Umaru Adamu, alias Balawo, and 30-year-old Haruna Usman, alias Dotti, both from Dawo Village in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, were arrested on July 19, 2026.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspects were arrested at about 2 pm by operatives of the Alkaleri Police Division following credible intelligence.

The police said the three bulls recovered from the suspects were suspected to have been stolen.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects obtained the cattle from two suspects, now at large and of the same address, who are believed to be habitual rustlers terrorising communities along the Gombe and Bauchi states axis,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing accomplices.

The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, while the recovered cattle have been secured as exhibits.

The command urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to support efforts to combat cattle rustling and other crimes in the state.

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Gombe has ordered that two supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remain in police custody over their alleged involvement in the disruption at Gombe International Airport during the arrival of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Bala Bello Tinka.

The defendants, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi, also known as Ataka, and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, also known as Jadda, appeared before Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar on Tuesday.

They pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on criminal trespass, disobedience to a lawful order, obstruction of public officials, intentional insult, inciting disturbance and causing damage.

Police prosecutor Umehi Thomas told the court that the incident occurred around noon on July 15, 2026.

He alleged: “The defendants, together with others now at large, forcefully invaded the Gombe International Airport during the arrival of Dr Bala Bello Tinka, destroyed the security lock at the Executive Gate of the VIP section and gained unauthorised access to the restricted area of the airport.”

Thomas further claimed: “All efforts by security personnel and the airport management to stop them proved abortive as the defendants turned violent and insulted officials. The value of the damaged property will be ascertained during the course of the investigation.”

He urged the court to remand the defendants while investigations continue, saying, “Since the defendants have pleaded not guilty and investigation is still ongoing, they should be remanded in a custodial facility.”

Defence lawyer Ayuba Rabiu opposed the request, asking the court to grant his clients bail.

He argued that, “The court has the power to grant bail under Section 177 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Gombe State, 2020, as well as Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He also told the court, “The defendants have already been in police custody for five days since July 16, 2026.”

After hearing arguments from both sides, Chief Magistrate Abubakar adjourned the case until August 5, 2026, for hearing and fixed July 23, 2026, to rule on the defendants’ bail application.