A serene journey across the Kwalgwai River turned into tragedy when a boat carrying twenty passengers capsized, claiming the lives of two individuals near Hadin village in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Confirming the incident, DSP Lawan Shiisu, spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, revealed that the mishap occurred late on Sunday night, resulting in the death of two passengers, while eighteen others were rescued.
“At about 2200hrs on Sunday, the command received an incident report from the Divisional Police Officer of Auyo Division indicating that a group of marketers from Kwalgwai village boarded a canoe. Tragically, the canoe capsized amidst powerful waves during their journey to Hadin village,” DSP Shiisu stated.
In response to the distress call, a swift rescue operation ensued, involving divers, fishermen, and local volunteers. Despite the efforts, the rescue team was only able to recover eighteen passengers alive.
“Regrettably, two female passengers were initially reported missing. One of them, Habiba Ado, aged 18, was found and rushed to Auyo hospital, where she was later pronounced dead by attending medical personnel,” DSP Shiisu lamented.
The search continued until the following morning when the second missing woman was also found lifeless, bringing the total fatalities to two.
Preliminary investigations pointed to overloading as a significant factor contributing to the tragic incident, exacerbated by powerful waves that overwhelmed the canoe’s stability.
“The rescued victims received urgent medical attention at nearby hospitals to stabilize their conditions,” DSP Shiisu reassured.
The incident has sparked mourning and reflection within the community, underscoring the dangers faced during water transportation, especially in challenging weather conditions.
Efforts are underway to support the affected families and to prevent future tragedies through heightened safety measures on waterways.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for strength during this difficult time,” DSP Shiisu concluded.
