Three Missing In Bauchi Boat Accident

Tragedy struck on Saturday in Bauchi State when a boat carrying 10 passengers capsized in the Zindiwa River, leaving three people missing and seven others rescued. 

The incident occurred in the Gamawa Local Government Area, where flooding had cut off the main road, forcing residents to rely on boats to cross the river.

Eyewitnesses reported that the boat, piloted by Haruna Isah of Wabo village, capsized around 4 pm while attempting to cross the river.

A rescue team from a nearby village responded swiftly, managing to save seven passengers.

However, the search continues for the three individuals still unaccounted for.

The cause of the accident remains unclear, though some eyewitnesses suspected that overloading may have played a role in the tragedy.

The police spokesperson in Bauchi, Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident and provided details about the passengers on board.

“Today, 31st of August 2024, at about 12:1500 hrs, a report reaching us by a good Samaritan that about 10:4500 hrs, a boat piloted by one Haruna Isah of Wabo village capsized while he was crossing the Zindiwa river with some passengers on board,” Wakil said.

According to Wakil, the passengers included Danjuma Ibrahim, 30 years old; Shafiu Alhaji Awale, 40 years old; Salisu Alaramma, 40 years old; Yakubu Tela, 57 years old; and Jamilu Kabiru, 22 years old, all from Zindiwa village.

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“On reaching the middle of the river with the canoe, the canoe capsized, and all of them were thrown into the river,” he said.

“A search rescue was conducted immediately, and three of them were rescued, while Yakubu Tela and Jamilu Kabiru are still missing in the river.

“On receiving the report, the commissioner of police, Bauchi state command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammed, directed the DPO of Gamawa to move to the scene, and a search operation was conducted.”

Wakil said the search operation is still ongoing, adding that more updates will be shared on the incident.