A boat mishap reportedly claimed one life on Sunday evening, in Kwalgai River, Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
However, eighteen (18) passengers in the boat incident were successfully rescued, while one person is still unaccounted for.
As per the official statement released by the Jigawa State Police Command, the event occurred around 10:00 pm when a group of approximately 20 traders from Kwalgwai village embarked on a canoe journey across the Kwalgai River towards Hadin village.
It was learnt that the canoe overturned due to strong waves and being overloaded.
Prompt response from divers, fishermen, and kind-hearted individuals, in addition to a police team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Auyo Division, facilitated the rescue of 18 passengers who were found alive.
Upon receiving the distress call, a police team led by the DPO swiftly arrived at the location.
Divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were promptly alerted and joined in the rescue efforts, as stated by DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State Command.
“Unfortunately, two female passengers were initially reported missing. Early on the morning of July 8, one of the missing females, identified as Habiba Ado, 18, from Kwalgwai, was found and rushed to Auyo Hospital, where she was declared dead by the on-call medical doctor.
“A preliminary investigation indicated that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading, which made it difficult for the driver to steer the canoe,” DSP Adam stated.
According to the police report, all the survivors have been transported to the medical facility for treatment, while the search for the other missing individual continues.
The police command has advised locals and visitors to be careful and not fill canoes beyond their capacity, particularly in bad weather, to avoid similar disasters in the future.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and those affected by this tragic incident,” DSP Adam added, stressing that the authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as search and rescue efforts for the missing passenger remain a top priority.
