Police: Jigawa Boat Accident Caused by Powerful Waves and Overloading
A boat carrying 20 marketers from Kwalgai village in Jigawa State to Hadin in the Auyo Local Government Area of Zamfara State capsized on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
While the incident resulted in the death of one person, 18 people were rescued. One person is, however, still missing.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Jigawa State Police Command, the accident was due to a combination of overloading and powerful waves.
Providing details of the capsized boat on Monday, July 8, 2024, in Dutse, the state capital, the Command’s spokesman, Lawan Adam, said the tragedy occurred when the operator lost control due to the heavy load and strong waves.
“A preliminary investigation indicated that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading, which made it difficult for the driver to steer the canoe,” DSP Adam stated.
Adam noted that a response team was quickly dispatched upon receiving a distress call.
“Upon receiving the distress call, a team of policemen led by the DPO raced to the scene. Divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were also swiftly notified and engaged in the rescue operation,” Adam said.
However, two passengers, both female, were already missing.
“Unfortunately, two female passengers were initially reported missing. Early on the morning of July 8, one of the missing females, identified as Habiba Ado, 18, from Kwalgwai, was found and rushed to Auyo hospital, where she was declared dead by the on-call medical doctor.”
