A boat accident which occurred on the Kwalgai River in Jigawa State on Sunday July 7, claimed the lives of two persons, among them an 18-year-old girl.
One passenger was still missing when policemen, local divers and fishermen recovered the two corpses on Monday.
According to the Jigawa State Police Command, a group of over 20 traders from Kwalgwai village in Auyo Local Government Area were travelling in a canoe to Hadin village when the accident happened.
The canoe capsized due to powerful waves and overloading, throwing all passengers into the water.
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A swift response from the police, divers, fishermen and good Samaritans led to the rescue of 18 passengers alive.
However, two female passengers, including the deceased, Habiba Ado, and another unidentified woman, remained missing.
The rescued victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while a search operation was launched to find the missing women. Unfortunately, Habiba Ado’s body was recovered the next morning, while the search for the other missing woman continues.
Jigawa State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said in an interview that the police have launched an investigation into the accident, citing overloading and powerful waves as the primary causes.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Haruna Mairiga, expressed sympathy with the community and assured that he would facilitate the provision of boats and safety jackets for the community.
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