Five confirmed dead, 15 missing in Jagawa boat mishap

The Police Command in Jigawa State has confirmed the tragic death of five individuals and the disappearance of 15 others following a canoe accident on Thursday.

The mishap took place at Nahuce in Taura Local Government Area.

DSP Lawan Shiisu, the Police Public Relations Officer, reported the incident in a statement issued in Dutse, expressing condolences and highlighting the ongoing search efforts for the missing persons. The accident underscores the dangers associated with water transport in the region, prompting calls for improved safety measures.

“Today, at about 1200 hours, information from a reliable source revealed that a canoe conveying 20 passengers to cross over Gamoda River at Nahuce Village capsized.

“Upon the receipt of the report, a team of policemen, in collaboration with local divers and good Samaritans, raced to the scene for a rescue mission,” Shiisu added.

He gave the identities of the deceased passengers as Abdurra’uf Mohammed, 15, Suleman Ali, 20, Shafiu Mohammed, 25, Ado Nafance, 7, and Alasan Mohmmed, 16, all from Taura LGA.

According to him, efforts have been intensified to recover the remaining 15 passengers.

Shiisu said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ahmadu Abdullahi, had prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for Allah to give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident came one month after a similar incident in Kwalgai Village, Auyo LGA, leading to the deaths of two persons and rescue of 18 others. (NAN)