At least two passengers have been confirmed dead following a boat mishap while traveling across the Kwalgwai River toward Hadin village in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, DSP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident, stating that 18 others were rescued from the mishap.
Shiisu reported that the accident occurred when the boat, carrying both marketers and passengers, capsized due to powerful waves and overloading.
He explained, “At about 2200hrs on Sunday, 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 numbered about twenty (20) both males and females boarded a canoe. The canoe was said to have capsized while travelling across the Kwalgwai River toward Hadin village within the same LGA.
“In an attempt to save the victims, divers, fishermen, and good samaritans were swiftly notified as a team of Policemen led by the DPO raced to the scene.
“The rescue team was able to rescue eighteen (18) passengers alive, while two (2) female passengers were missing.
“Subsequently, on 8/07/2024 (Monday) at about 0600hrs, among the two females missing, one Habiba Ado ‘f’ age 18yrs of Kwalgai was recovered. She was quickly conveyed to the Auyo hospital but she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on call.
“Later, the last woman was discovered and found dead. In other words, the death rate has increased to two (2).
“Nevertheless, a preliminary investigation indicated that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading to the point where the driver was unable to steer the canoe.
“The rescued victims were all rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” DSP Shiisu added.
