Canoe mishap claims 26 lives in Jigawa – Yobe border towns 

A tragic canoe accident on the River Badin, between the Adiyani community in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State and the Garbi community in the Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, has claimed the lives of 26 people with several others injured.

Muhammad Umar Hadejia, the Information Officer, Guri Local Government Area, in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, noted that three victims were from Adiyani in Guri LGA, while 23 were from Garbi in Nguru LGA of Yobe State.

According to the statement, “Guri Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Umar Danbarde, disclosed details to journalists following the funeral prayers for the three victims from Adiyani. The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. while the victims were traveling by canoe to Garbi.

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“Hon. Danbarde explained that the local government, in collaboration with residents, carried out rescue operations and ensured that the injured victims were taken to hospitals for treatment before being discharged to their homes.”

The statement quoted the chairman, saying his Council planned to introduce modern water transportation facilities to address transportation challenges and mitigate risks of similar accidents.

He therefore announced a proposed by-law banning canoe transportation from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to enhance safety, urging security agencies to enforce this restriction.

Speaking on behalf of the deceased families, Charo Aminami of Adiyani called for acceptance of the incident as divine will and offered prayers for the deceased.

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