In a heartbreaking incident, a boat accident on Thursday claimed the lives of at least five people around the Gamoda River in Nahuce village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The tragedy, which struck around 12 pm, involved a boat carrying 20 passengers that tragically capsized, leaving the community in mourning.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday.
According to Shiisu, a team of policemen, in collaboration with local divers and good Samaritans, swiftly responded to the scene in a desperate rescue mission.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of policemen in collaboration with local divers and good Samaritans rushed to the scene for a rescue mission,” Shiisu stated.
Despite their prompt arrival and valiant efforts, five of the passengers were found already deceased. The victims were identified as Abdurra’uf Mohd, 15, Suleman Ali, 20, Shafiu Mohd, 25, Ado Nafance, 75, and Alasan Mohd, 16, all residents of Taura LGA.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, with families and friends grieving the sudden and untimely loss of their loved ones.
The Gamoda River, usually a source of livelihood and transportation for many in the area, has now become a site of sorrow.
Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the remaining missing passengers. The rescue teams, undeterred by the initial losses, continue their search in hopes of finding survivors or recovering the bodies of those still unaccounted for.
DSP Shiisu also conveyed the condolences of the state Commissioner of Police, AT Abdullahi, to the families of the victims.
“The state Commissioner of Police commiserated with the victims’ families and prayed for the departed souls to have eternal peace,” Shiisu noted.
The Commissioner’s message of sympathy reflects the collective grief felt by the entire community and the commitment of the authorities to support the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Boat accidents have been a recurring issue in various parts of Nigeria, often attributed to factors such as overloading, poor maintenance of boats, and the absence of life jackets for passengers.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Local authorities are urged to enforce safety protocols and ensure that boat operators adhere to regulations designed to protect passengers.
Community members have also called for increased awareness and education on water safety to mitigate the risks associated with riverine transportation.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the people of Nahuce village and the wider Taura LGA remain united in their grief and determination to support one another.
The loss of Abdurra’uf Mohd, Suleman Ali, Shafiu Mohd, Ado Nafance, and Alasan Mohd is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity in times of tragedy.
In the aftermath of this devastating accident, the focus remains on preventing future occurrences and ensuring the safety of all who depend on the waterways for their daily lives.
The community, while mourning their losses, looks forward to a future where such tragedies are averted through collective effort and vigilance.
