Boat Mishap: Two dead, 18 rescued in Jigawa

Two middle-aged women died, and hundreds of families were rendered homeless in Kalgwai and Kargo villages of Auyo and Garki local government areas in Jigawa state.

A report from the state indicated that the two middle-aged women died as a result of a boat mishap on Sunday night. When numbered about 20, both males and females boarded a canoe to cross the Kalgwai River while returning from the market.

Confirming the incident, the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Lawal Shiisu Adams, in a statement, said, “The canoe was said to have capsized while travelling across the Kwalgai River toward Hadin village all in Auyo local government area”.

The statement stated that “in an attempt to save the victims, divers, fishermen, and good samaritans were swiftly notified, and a rescue team was formed which was able to rescue 18 passengers alive, while two female passengers were found dead”.

According to the statement, the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading to the point where the driver was unable to steer the canoe.

ALSO READ:Protest rocks Warri over INEC’s planned ward delimitation

Meanwhile, heavy downpours caused a serious flood last Saturday night, which rendered over 100 families homeless and destroyed domestic materials, including food items and domestic animals worth millions of Naira.

The Online Tribune in the state findings revealed that the flood also contaminated the drinking water sources as the villagers relied on open wells in the village.

Gathered in the state also revealed that many residents were forced to seek shelter in public buildings and relatives within and outside the village.

Speaking to newsmen, the village head, Malam Ali Mainasara, described the situation as dire, saying that many residents had lost their livelihoods and properties. “The properties that were lost cannot be overemphasized,” he said. “Many houses collapsed, and some residents are still trapped in their homes.”