Canoe Accident Claims 4 Lives In Borno

Borno State Police Command has confirmed the death of four persons in Dikwa town of Dikwa local government area when a canoe carrying passengers submerged in floodwaters, leading to the unfortunate loss of four female lives.

The police in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman in the state, ASP Nahum Kenneth Dasum in Maiduguri, extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in a devastating canoe accident in Dikwa.

The statement reads,” A report received from a good Samaritan at the Dikwa Divisional Police headquarters that a distressing canoe accident occurred on 23rd September 2024 at about 1530HRS in the Bakassi community between Mafa and Dikwa along Maiduguri Road, Borno State. The incident involved a canoe carrying passengers submerged in floodwaters, leading to the unfortunate loss of four female lives.

“The deceased victims, all from Bulabulin Ward, Dikwa, have been identified as follows: Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult female from Marte LGA; Maimuna Akura, 10 years old; Umira Alhaji Bulama, 6 years old, and Yagana Bulama Kawu, 5 months old.”

The statement added that the victims were promptly evacuated to Dikwa General Hospital, where their demise was confirmed by a medical doctor, saying that subsequently, the corpses have been released to their respective families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

He said in light of this tragic incident, Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Lawal Yusufu, while expressing heartfelt condolences, urged the public, particularly those in flood-affected areas, to exercise caution during this period.