A tragic boat accident has claimed the lives of a woman and three children, including a 5-month-old baby, in Borno State. The incident occurred on September 23, 2024, in Bakassi, a community located between Mafa and Dikwa along Maiduguri Road.
The boat, carrying several passengers, capsized around 3:30 pm, leading to the loss of four lives. The victims include a woman and three children, one of them being just five months old. According to local reports, the boat was traveling through a stretch of water frequently used by residents in the area.
The Bakassi community, where the tragedy took place, is close to the Dikwa Local Government Area, a region that has faced various challenges, including transportation issues due to the terrain and waterways.
The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the accident in a statement. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed the identities of the victims. ASP Daso noted that the police are actively investigating the cause of the accident to ensure such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
“Four passengers, including a woman and three children, have unfortunately died after their boat capsized in the Bakassi community. Among the deceased was a 5-month-old baby. We are currently investigating the situation to understand how it happened,” ASP Daso said.
It’s not yet clear what caused the boat to capsize, but factors such as overloading, poor weather conditions, or mechanical issues could have played a role.
Water transport is common in parts of Borno State due to its numerous rivers and water channels, especially in areas like Dikwa. Unfortunately, the safety of these boats has often been a concern. Many boats are old and poorly maintained, and safety measures like life jackets are often absent.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges people face in accessing safe and reliable transportation in the region. Despite the use of boats being vital for commuting and transporting goods, accidents are not uncommon. Lack of regulation and poor safety standards contribute to the risk of such tragedies.
The tragic loss has left the Bakassi community and surrounding areas in shock. Residents have expressed their sadness and grief over the loss of lives, especially that of the young children. Local leaders are urging the government to take more action in ensuring waterway safety, such as introducing stricter regulations for boat operators and mandating the use of life vests for all passengers.
Following this tragic incident, many are calling for urgent safety reforms. Better regulation of boat operators, regular inspections of boats, and the mandatory use of life-saving equipment like life jackets could significantly reduce the risk of future accidents. Some experts believe that improved infrastructure, such as bridges or safer boats, could also help reduce dependence on risky water travel.
While the investigation continues, local authorities are being called upon to provide support for the families affected by the accident and to take measures that can prevent further loss of life on Borno’s waterways.
This tragic boat accident is a reminder of the risks associated with water travel in Borno State and the need for better safety measures. With four lives lost, including a 5-month-old baby, the community mourns as the authorities investigate and seek solutions to improve transportation safety in the region.
It’s essential that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future, through better regulations and improved safety standards for boats operating in the area.
“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.”
