Two people lost their lives, while 18 others were rescued in a boat mishap that occurred on Sunday in Jigawa state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state police command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawan Shiisu confirmed this through a statement released on Monday in Dutse, the state capital.
Shiisu revealed the command received the report on the incident that occurred in Kwalgai village, Auyo LGA, at about 10 p:m.
According to him, the canoe capsized on its way to Hadin village in Auyo LGA.
Shiisu revealed that about 20 passengers were on board the boat when the incident occurred.
The PRO said, “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 capsized while travelling across the Kwalgai River toward Hadin village within the same LGA.”
He added that divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were swiftly notified, while a police team led by the DPO raced to the scene, to save the victims.
Shisu disclosed that the team was able to rescue 18 passengers alive, while two others who were females couldn’t be found.
He said, “Subsequently, today at about 6 a:m., 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.”
The PPRO further revealed that preliminary investigation showed that the accident was caused by powerful waves and overloading, leading the driver to be unable to steer the canoe.
He added that efforts are being intensified to recover the victims who went missing.
All rescued victims were taken to hospital for medical attention.
