Infant, three others die in Borno canoe accident

A five-month-old infant, two children, and one adult lost their lives in a boat accident that occurred on Monday along Maiduguri Road, Borno State.

The accident, according to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, on Tuesday, happened around 4 pm.

Daso noted that the boat, carrying several passengers, was submerged by floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of the four victims.

He identified the deceased as Mallum Shettima, Maimuna Akura, Umira Bulama, and Yagana Kawu.

The PPRO said, “A report was received from a Good Samaritan at the Dikwa Divisional Police Headquarters regarding a distressing canoe accident that occurred on Monday, September 23, 2024, at about 1530HRS in the Bakassi community between Mafa and Dikwa, along Maiduguri Road, Borno State.

“The incident involved a canoe carrying passengers that was submerged in floodwaters, leading to the unfortunate loss of four female lives.

“The deceased victims, all from Bulabulin Ward, Dikwa, have been identified as Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult female from Marte LGA, Maimuna Akura, 10 years old, Umira Alhaji Bulama, six years old, and Yagana Bulama Kawu, five months old.”

He added that upon receiving the report of the incident, police officers visited the scene, rescued the victims and transported them to a nearby hospital, where they were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

“The victims were promptly evacuated to the Dikwa General Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed by a medical doctor. Subsequently, the corpses were released to their respective families for burial under Islamic rites.”

In a further update, the PPRO warned boat operators in the state of the need to abide by safety procedures, ensuring that passengers are provided with safety buoys and life jackets.

He stressed that ensuring safety was crucial, as the state is still recovering from recent flooding that claimed several lives.

“Following a recent tragic canoe accident in Dikwa that resulted in the loss of four lives, the command underscores the critical importance of implementing safety protocols to avert such calamities.

“It is mandatory for all canoe operators to ensure the availability of safety buoys and life jackets for all passengers.

“The command’s utmost priority is the safety and security of all the residents of Borno State, especially during this challenging period. The recent incidences of flooding have already led to the loss of lives, and it is imperative to avoid further casualties due to negligence,” Daso concluded.