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The Police Command in Jigawa, yesterday, confirmed that two people lost their lives, while 18 others were rescued in a boat mishap that occurred in the state.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed this in a statement in Dutse, yesterday.
Shiisu explained the command received the report about the incident, which occurred, on Sunday, in Kwalgai village, Auyo Local Government Area, at about 10pm. He said the canoe capsised on its way to Hadin village in the same LGA. Shiisu added that about 20 passengers were on board the boat when the incident occurred.
“On Sunday, at about 2200hrs, the command received an incident report by the Divisional Police Officer of Auyo Division, that a group of marketers from Kwalgwai village in Auyo LGA, numbering about 20, both males and females, boarded a canoe. The canoe was said to have capsised while travelling across the Kwalgai River towards Hadin village within the same LGA,” the PPRO said.
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He said in an attempt to save the victims, divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were swiftly notified, while a police team led by the DPO raced to the scene. Shiisu disclosed that the team was able to rescue 18 passengers alive, while two others, all females, went missing.
“Subsequently, today, at about 6am, the body of one of the missing female passengers identified as Habiba Ado of Kwalgai village, was recovered. The victim, aged 18, was quickly conveyed to Auyo hospital, but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty,” he said.
The PPRO said preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading, to the extent where the driver was unable to steer the canoe.
He said efforts were being intensified to recover the missing victims. Shiisu added that all the rescued victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
