Four drown in flood-related boat accident in Borno

Four passengers including three children have been reported dead after a boat capsized in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The tragic incident occurred on September 23 at about 3:30 pm in Bakassi community between Mafa and Dikwa along Maiduguri Road.

The spokesperson of the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday said the victims include a 5-month-old baby.

 

 "The Borno State Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in a devastating canoe accident in Dikwa, Borno State,” the statement read.

"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:

1. Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult female from Marte LGA

2. Maimuna Akura, 10 years old

3. Umira Alhaji Bulama, 6 years old

4. Yagana Bulama Kawu, 5 months old

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

“In light of this tragic incident, Commissioner of Police, CP ML Yusufu, while expressing heartfelt condolences, urges the public, particularly those in flood-affected areas, to exercise caution during this period and promptly report any emergency or distress to the following contacts: 08068075581, 0802343293.”