No fewer than 18 people were rescued after a canoe tragedy involving 20 traders traveling from Kwalgai village to Hadin in Zamfara State’s Auyo LGA.
The Jigawa State Police Command reported on Monday that the canoe capsized due to powerful waves and overloading, making it impossible for the operator to maintain control. According to preliminary investigations, the vessel was carrying more passengers than it could safely handle, leading to the unfortunate accident.
Speaking from Dutse, the state capital, the Command’s spokesman, Lawan Adam, detailed the swift response to the emergency. He explained that upon receiving the distress call, divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans, alongside a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer, rushed to the scene to save the victims.
“The rescue team was able to rescue eighteen passengers alive, while two female passengers are still missing,” Adam stated. Efforts to locate the missing individuals continued, with one of the missing women, 18-year-old Habiba Ado from Kwalgai, being found and promptly taken to the hospital for treatment on July 8, 2024, at around 6:00 am.
Adam noted, “While efforts were being intensified to rescue the missing woman, the rescued victims have already been rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”
The incident has highlighted the dangers of overloading watercraft, especially in regions where canoes are a primary mode of transportation. Authorities are now urging operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations to prevent future occurrences.
Local officials have also commended the community’s swift action in the rescue efforts, noting that their prompt response significantly reduced the potential loss of life. The involvement of local fishermen and divers was particularly crucial, as their knowledge of the waterways and experience in such emergencies proved invaluable.
In the aftermath of the rescue, there is a renewed call for increased safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations governing water transportation in the region. Community leaders and authorities are expected to engage in discussions aimed at implementing more robust safety protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers.
