Canoe Accident Kills Mother, 3 Children In Borno

A woman and her three children have lost their lives in a canoe accident that occurred between Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The accident, which happened on September 23, 2024, comes in the wake of severe flooding caused by collapse of the Alua Dam on September 10 that ravaged parts of Maiduguri, and further spread into surrounding communities, including Mafa and Dikwa, over the past four days.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident in a press statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Daso, on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

The police extended their condolences to the families of the victims and urged the public to remain vigilant in light of the ongoing floodNig.

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

The victims were identified as Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult female from Marte LGA, and her children: Maimuna Akura, 10 years old, Umira Alhaji Bulama, 6 years old, and Yagana Bulama Kawu, just 5 months old. All four victims were from Bulabulin Ward in Dikwa.

The spokesperson noted that emergency responders evacuated the victims to General Hospital, where their deaths were confirmed by medical personnel.

DSP Daso stated that the remains of the deceased have since been released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

“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 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,” the statement noted.

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP ML Yusufu, expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and urged residents, especially those in flood-affected areas, to always exercise caution.

He further advised the public to report emergencies or distress situations to designated contacts provided by the police command.

“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,” he stated.