A tragic boat accident occurred on the Kwalgai River in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of one person while 18 others were rescued. One person is, however, still missing.
According to a news statement released by the Jigawa State Police Command, the incident occurred about 10:00 p.m. when a group of approximately 20 marketers from Kwalgwai village boarded a canoe to journey over the Kwalgai River to Hadin village.
The canoe reportedly capsized due to powerful waves and overloading. Swift action from divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans, along with a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Auyo Division, resulted in the rescue of 18 passengers alive.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State Command DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam “Upon receiving the distress call, a team of policemen led by the DPO raced to the scene. Divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were also swiftly notified and engaged in the rescue operation,”
“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.
“The primary cause of the accident, according to a preliminary investigation, was strong waves and overloading, which made it challenging for the driver to steer the canoe,” DSP Adam said.
The police said all rescued victims have been taken to the hospital for medical attention while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing passenger.
The command has urged residents and travellers to exercise caution and avoid overloading canoes, especially during adverse weather conditions, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
