A mother and her three children have been killed in a canoe accident between Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Areas in Borno state.
The unfortunate incident came days after a recent flood devastated the Maiduguri and Mafa towns.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso on Tuesday in Maiduguri while confirming the unfortunate incident said the Borno State Police Command has conveyed its sincere sympathies to the families of the victims of the tragedy and advised the public to exercise caution in flood-affected areas.
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 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”
Written by Cheta Enyoghasi
