No fewer than 18 persons have been rescued from a mishap involving 20 marketers onboard a canoe from the 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 revealed that the canoe capsize was due to powerful waves and overloading to the point where the operator could no longer control the canoe.
The Command’s spokesman, Lawan Adam, speaking in Dutse, the state capital, said that in an attempt to save the victims, divers, fishermen, and good samaritans were swiftly notified, as a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer rushed to the scene.
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 18yrs 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.