At least 18 people have been rescued from a mishap involving 20 traders onboard a boat from Kwalgai village to Hadin in the Auyo Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the Jigawa State Police Command on Monday, a preliminary investigation found that the boat capsized due to heavy waves and overloading, to the point where the operator lost control of the canoe.
Lawan Adam, the Command’s spokesman, told reporters in Dutse, the state capital, that divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were quickly contacted to help save the victims, while a team of cops led by the Divisional Police Officer raced to the spot.
Adam said, “The rescue team was able to rescue eighteen passengers alive, while two female passengers are still missing.”
Subsequently, he disclosed that “on July 8, 2024, at about 0600hrs, one Habiba Ado ‘f’ age 18 years of Kwalgai, who was among the two females missing, has been rescued”, adding that she was quickly rushed to the hospital.
“While efforts were being intensified to rescue the missing woman, the rescued victims have already been rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” Adam noted.
