Tragic Boat Mishap In Jigawa Claims Two Lives, 18 Rescued

The Jigawa police command on Monday confirmed that a tragic boat accident resulted in the loss of two lives while 18 others were rescued.

This incident took place in Kwalgai village, Auyo Local Government Area (LGA) on Sunday night.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu, provided details in a statement issued in Dutse. He reported that the accident occurred at around 10:00 p.m. when a canoe, carrying about 20 passengers, capsized on its way to Hadin village within the same LGA.

Mr. Shiisu recounted that the command received a report from the Divisional Police Officer of Auyo Division. “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 stated.

In response to the emergency, divers, fishermen, and local Good Samaritans were quickly alerted to aid in the rescue efforts. A police team, led by the DPO, also rushed to the scene. Their combined efforts led to the successful rescue of 18 passengers, while two female passengers remained unaccounted for.

Mr. Shiisu further revealed that by 6:00 a.m. the following day, the body of one of the missing passengers, 18-year-old Habiba Ado from Kwalgai village, was recovered. “Subsequently, today at about 6:00 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,” he said.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused by strong waves and overloading, which made it impossible for the canoe driver to maintain control. “The preliminary investigation revealed that powerful waves and overloading primarily caused the accident, so the driver could not steer the canoe,” Mr. Shiisu explained. The police continue to search for the second missing victim, while all the rescued passengers have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

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