By Abbas Nazil
No fewer than 26 people have drowned following a tragic canoe accident on River Badin, linking Adiyani community in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State and Garbi community in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Reliable sources said the incident, which occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, close to Nguru in Yobe State, involved residents who were traveling by canoe from Adiyani to Garbi when the vessel capsized, throwing passengers into the river.
A statement issued by the Information Officer of Guri Local Government Area, Muhammad Umar Hadejia, confirmed that three of the victims were from Adiyani community, while 23 were from Garbi in neighboring Yobe State.
The statement further revealed that several other passengers sustained injuries during the mishap and were immediately rescued by local residents and emergency responders.
Chairman of Guri Local Government Area, Abubakar Umar Danbarde, disclosed this details while speaking to journalists shortly after funeral prayers were held for the three deceased persons from Adiyani.
The statement reported the Chairman saying that the local government council worked closely with community members to carry out rescue operations and ensure that injured victims were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
He said the injured persons have since been treated and discharged, allowing them to return to their respective homes.
Hon. Danbarde described the incident as heartbreaking and extended the condolences of the council to the families of the victims in both Jigawa and Yobe States.
In response to the tragedy, the Chairman announced plans by the council to introduce modern and safer water transportation facilities to reduce the risks associated with canoe travel in the area.
He also disclosed that the council is proposing a by-law to ban canoe transportation between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. as a preventive measure against similar nighttime accidents.
The Chairman urged security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the proposed restriction once it comes into effect.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Alhaji Charo Aminami of Adiyani community called on residents to accept the incident as the will of God.
He offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Residents of the affected communities have continued to express grief over the tragedy, describing it as one of the deadliest river accidents recorded in the area in recent years.
