A canoe accident has claimed the lives of five people, with 15 others still missing, in Jigawa State, Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Thursday on Gamoda River at Nahuce Village in Taura Local Government Area, according to Police Public Relations Officer Lawan Shiisu. The canoe, carrying 20 passengers, capsized while attempting to cross the Gamoda River.
Shiisu said a rescue team comprising police, local divers, and good Samaritans rushed to the scene, but only five bodies have been recovered so far.
The deceased have been identified as Abdurra’uf Mohammed (15); Suleman Ali (20); Shafiu Mohammed (25); Ado Nafance (7) and Alasan Mohammed (16). All five victims hailed from Taura LGA. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining 15 passengers.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmadu Abdullahi, has offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for their souls to rest in peace.
The tragic incident comes just a month after a similar canoe mishap in Kwalgai Village, Auyo LGA, resulting in two deaths and 18 rescues.
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