11 Dead in Second Boat Tragedy in Adamawa State
In yet another tragic incident, Adamawa State in Nigeria witnessed a second boat mishap within two days, claiming the lives of 11 individuals. The incident occurred at Kwatan Mallam Adamu in Gurin village, located in the Fufore Local Government Area. According to eyewitnesses, the boat capsized on Monday afternoon while passengers rushed to reach home to escape heavy rainfall.
The boat was overcrowded with approximately 40 passengers, including women and children, desperately trying to reach their destinations. Unfortunately, midway through the journey, a sudden strong wind and thunderstorm caused the boat to capsize. Regrettably, 13 individuals remain unaccounted for.
Tragically, a mother who valiantly held her infant above the surface of the water drowned, while a diver was able to rescue the baby. Reports indicate that only around 20 individuals were successfully rescued from the capsized boat.
Alhaji Adamu Mai-nama, who lost several family members in the tragedy, expressed his grief. Only one of my children was rescued alive, but the rest of my family members have drowned, he lamented.
As authorities assess the situation, the bodies of 11 victims have been recovered by local divers, according to Jngai Abdullahi, the Information Officer of Fufore Local Council. Dr. Suleiman Aminu, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), also confirmed the incident.
This unfortunate incident follows a similar boat accident just two days earlier, in which 15 people lost their lives. The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Kaletapwa Farauta, had recently visited the site of that tragedy and directed officials from ADSEMA to identify all crossing points in the state to ensure the provision of life jackets for passengers. Dr. Aminu, in line with Farauta’s directive, also advised operators of inland waterways commercial transportation to avoid overloading and traveling during bad weather periods.
These consecutive boat accidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement to prevent further loss of life on waterways. The Adamawa State government should work collaboratively with relevant agencies to ensure comprehensive safety protocols and appropriate training for boat operators. By prioritizing these measures and implementing them effectively, tragedies like these can be reduced, protecting the lives of individuals who rely on water transportation in the state.
As investigations continue into the cause of both incidents, it is crucial that the findings are made public. This transparency will not only shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accidents but also enable authorities to take appropriate actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by these tragic boat mishaps. May they find solace and strength during this difficult time.
