By Citizenship Daily
The Bauchi State Police command has confirmed that three people have been rescued, and two others missing when a passenger boat capsized in the Zindiwa river, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi state.
Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident when he answered questions from reporters in Bauchi.
He said the boat capsized in the middle of the river Saturday morning, and that two people were still missing while three passengers had been rescued.
The boat served as an alternative means of transportation after flooding washed away the main road that linked Gamawa with surrounding villages. Many residents in the area were forced to depend on boats to reach their destinations, especially on market days or when they had to cross roads before going to their homes.
Wakil said “on 31st of August 2024, they received a report from a good samaritan that about 10:45 in the morning, a boat piloted by one Haruna Isah of Wabo village capsized while he was crossing the Zindiwa River with some passengers on board,”
He gave the name of the passengers on board as Danjuma Ibrahim, 30 years old, Shafiu Alhaji Awale, 40 years old, Salisu Alaramma, 40 years old, Yakubu Tela, 57 years old, and Jamilu Kabiru, 22 years old, all of Zindiwa village.
“On reaching the middle of the river with the canoe, the canoe capsized, and all of them were thrown into the river.
“A search rescue was conducted immediately, and three of them were rescued, while Yakubu Tela and Jamilu Kabiru are still missing in the river.”
He said “On receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammed, directed the DPO of Gamawa to move to the scene, and a search operation was conducted.”
Wakil said the search operation was still ongoing, adding that more updates would be communicated to newsmen on the incident.
