By Muhd D Haidar
At least two people from Kalgwai village in Auyo local government area of Jigawa State lost their lives as canoe capsized while coming back from weekly market.
The pathetic tragedy occured on Sunday evening when a group of marketers from Kalgwai are coming back from weekly market in Gujungu are of Taura local government area of the state.
It was reported that the travellers numbering about 20 boarded the canoe, while on their way to Hadin village met the untimely tragedy when the canoe capsized leaving two people dead, 17 others were rescued and one person is missing.
Confirming the incident Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Police Command, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said preliminary investigation has indicated that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading to the point where the driver was unable to steer the canoe.
He explained that while efforts were being intensified to rescue the missing woman, the rescued victims were all rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“On 07/07/2024 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 numbered about twenty (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.
“In an attempt to save the victims, drivers, fishermen, and good samaritans were swiftly notified as a team of Policemen led by the DPO raced to the scene.
“The rescue team was able to rescue eighteen (18) passengers alive, while two (2) female passengers were still searching.
“Subsequently, on 8/07/2024 at about 0600hrs, among the two females missing, one Habiba Ado ‘f’ age 18yrs of Kwalgai was also recovered, she was quickly conveyed to the Auyo hospital. But she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on call”. DSP Shiishu explained.
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