Barely two days after 15 persons died in a boat capsize, another 11 others have been confirmed dead in a fresh boat accident in Adamawa State, North-East, Nigeria, has learnt.
The accident reportedly happened at Kwatan Mallam Adamu in Gurin village in the Fufore Local Government Area according to residents of the area.
On September 9, had reported that at least eight persons have been confirmed dead, while seven others are missing in a boat mishap in Adamawa State, North-East, Nigeria.
Authorities also confirmed that another eight passengers have been rescued, according to the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA).
A resident, Dahiru Gurin who spoke to Saharareporters said the deadly boat capsize happened Monday afternoon when farmers were scampering to reach home to escape rainfall.
“About 40 passengers including women and children crammed into the boat to get home before today’s heavy downpour.
“Unfortunately midway, strong wind and thunderstorm set in, causing the boat capsize. About now about 20 persons have not been accounted for.
“A mother who held up her infant on the surface of the water drowned, but the baby was saved by a diver. I think those who were rescued are not more than 20,” Gurin told our Correspondent.
Adamu Mai-nama said his wife, two children, a sister and two in-laws were on board.
“Only one child of mine was rescued alive, all the rest of my family members have drowned,” Mai-nama said.
The Information Officer of Fufore Local Council, Jngai Abdullahi has confirmed that 11 bodies have so far been recorded.
“As of now, local divers have recovered 11 dead bodies,” Abdullahi said.
Also, the Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) Dr. Suleiman Aminu, has confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Adamawa State
“He said, definitely there was a boat capsize in Gurin, because when it happened they called to inform me. But as of now I can’t give further information pending assessment report,” he added.
Recall last Saturday, the deputy governor, Kaletapwa Farauta, visited the earlier accident site and directed ADSEMA officials to identify all crossing points in the state, so that live jackets would be provided for passengers. Just Dr. Aminu also advised operators of inland waterways commercial transportation to avoid overloading and bad weather periods.
