Rita Odafe
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday evening in Kwalgai River, Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where a boat mishap resulted in the loss of one life. Among the twenty traders from Kwalgwai village who embarked on a canoe journey to Hadin village, eighteen passengers were saved, while one individual is still missing.
According to the Jigawa State Police Command, the accident occurred at 10:00 pm as the canoe capsized due to strong waves and being overloaded. The prompt response from divers, fishermen, and the police team, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Auyo Division, led to the successful rescue of 18 passengers.
Upon receiving the distress call, the police team swiftly reached the scene. Divers, fishermen, and other volunteers joined forces in the rescue mission under the command of DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State Command.
Tragically, one missing passenger, Habiba Ado, 18, was found the next morning and declared dead at Auyo Hospital. The initial investigation pointed to strong waves and overloading as the primary causes of the accident, making it challenging for the canoe driver to navigate.
All survivors have been taken to the hospital for medical attention, while efforts to locate the missing individual are ongoing. The police are cautioning against overloading canoes, especially in adverse weather conditions, to prevent such tragedies.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the affected families during this difficult time, said DSP Adam, emphasizing the continuous monitoring of the situation and the prioritization of search and rescue operations for the missing passenger.
