Viral Video Shows Yobe Residents Crossing River on Calabash Gourds, Sparks Reactions

A viral video circulating online shows residents of Gashua, a community in Yobe State, crossing a river using calabash gourds as makeshift floats.

In the short clip shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by AsakyGRN, the villagers can be seen carefully balancing on the gourds while paddling across the river. The video has attracted both admiration and concern from viewers.

Many praised the community’s creativity and courage, while others expressed worry about the lack of basic infrastructure that forces people to take such risks.

Social media users were quick to react. One user wrote, “It is heartbreaking that people have to risk their lives just to cross a river. The government should please act fast.” Another commented, “This is the definition of resourcefulness. Gashua people never fail to impress.”

The video has spread widely across social media platforms, sparking discussions about the resilience and ingenuity of rural communities in Nigeria.

While some hailed the villagers’ actions as a symbol of determination and creativity, others called on local authorities to provide safer transportation options.

This incident highlights the daily challenges faced by communities in remote areas and the innovative ways they overcome them.