Boat Accidents Claim 22 in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command recorded six cases of boat mishaps which claimed 22 lives and injured many in the state  in the last one month.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, gave the update in a statement made available to newsmen in Dutse  yesterday.

Adam, however, identified the incidents according to affected local government areas, with two incidents in Miga, five in Gwaram,  five also in Guri, eight in Ringim, and two in Auyo. Only Kafin Hausa LGA had no case recorded so far. Adam enjoined residents of the state to desist from carrying much loading while boarding canoes or boats. He also called on the public to always allow security and medical personnel to perform their duty on death incidences.

He further said: “Parents are to warn their wards against swimming in rivers, streams and ponds to avoid future occurrences,” and urged people of the state, especially rural dwellers, to avoid night journeys in view of the risks involved.

The PPRO also stressed the significance of being security conscious by reporting any suspected criminals or suspicious movements, especially in the various Internally Displaced Persons Camps across the state.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Ringim Local Government Council in the State, Alhaji Shehu Udi,  confirmed that eight persons lost their lives and others rescued alive as a result of flood in some parts of the LGA.

He listed the areas affected as Dabi, Majiyawa, Yandutse, Malamawar Yandutse, Gabarin and some parts of Yakasawa.

“As I’m speaking with you now, victims have been relocated to primary schools in the area. We’re doing our best to provide mosquito nets, food, drugs and other basic needs to the victims.

“We call on the federal and state governments and other philanthropists in the state, to come to the aid of the victims,” he said.