The police command in Jigawa on Monday confirmed that two persons lost their lives, while 18 others were rescued in a boat mishap that occurred in the state.

DSP Lawan Shiisu, the command’s spokesman, confirmed this in a statement in Dutse on Monday.

Mr Shiisu explained that the command received the report about the incident on Sunday in  Kwalgai village, Auyo LGA, at about 10:00 p.m.

He said that the canoe capsized on its way to Hadin village in the same LGA.

Mr Shiisu added that about 20 passengers were on board the boat when the incident occurred.

“On Sunday at about 2200hrs, the command received an incident report by the Divisional Police Officer of Auyo Division that a group of marketers from Kwalgwai village in Auyo LGA numbering about 20, both males and females boarded a canoe.

“The canoe was said to have capsized while travelling across the Kwalgai River toward Hadin village within the same LGA,” the PPRO said.

According to him, divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were swiftly notified in an attempt to save the victims, while a police team led by the DPO raced to the scene.

Shisu disclosed that the team was able to rescue 18 passengers alive, while two others, all females, went missing.

“Subsequently, today at about 6:00 a.m., the body of one of the missing female passengers, identified as Habiba Ado of Kwalgai village, was recovered. The victim, aged 18, was quickly conveyed to Auyo Hospital but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty,” he said.

The police said the preliminary investigation revealed that powerful waves and overloading primarily caused the accident, so the driver could not steer the canoe.

According to him, efforts were being intensified to recover the missing victim.

Mr Shiisu added that all the rescued victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention. 

(NAN)