Dare Babalola
No fewer than six people have lost their lives to an ill-fated canoe that capsized in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Sunday.
The incident was confirmed by the state command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, who said two children are still missing.
Adam, in a statement late Tuesday, said the tragic incident occurred on Sunday, at about 8:15 pm, when 15 children were returning from a farm at Jejin Gunka to their village, Zangwan Maje, in the LGA.
He mentioned that the recovered bodies include Hare Abdullahi, 12; Halima Ma’azu, 12; Nasiba Yahya, 15; Saima Yusuf, 25; Amina Sule, 11; and Saiya Abdullahi, 18.
Adam stated that the canoe capsized due to flooding, strong wind and overloading.
The spokesperson, however, added that seven children were rescued following the swift response from the police and local divers.
He added that “the rescued children are: Rukayya Abdullahi, 9; Ibrahim Garba, 12; Fatima Yusuf, 10; Suwaiba Yahaya, 20; Rukayya Saleh, 18; Jawahira Samaila, 10; and Sakina Sule, 11.”
“Rescue efforts continue, with the police and local divers working around the clock to locate the missing children,” he added.
Adam explained further that a preliminary investigation revealed that the canoe’s driver fled after the incident. “Efforts are underway to locate, apprehend, and prosecute him in court,” he added.
