A tragic boat mishap has claimed the lives of five teenage girls in Nafada town, Gombe State, leaving the community in deep mourning. The victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim (18), Hauwa’u Dogal (15), Ummati Baraya (16), Umaira Gidado (16), and Amina Jaliya (15).
Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, through his media aide Ismaila Uba-Misilli, expressed deep sorrow over the heartbreaking incident. In a condolence message to the grieving families, Yahaya described the accident as painful and heart-wrenching, noting that the victims were young, promising lives lost too soon.
“The tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” the governor lamented. He extended his sympathy to the victims’ parents and the entire Nafada community, calling the loss a major tragedy not just for the families but for the whole state.
Governor Yahaya also urged strict compliance with water transport safety measures to avoid future disasters. He emphasized the need for collaboration between local councils, community leaders, and boat operators to enforce safety regulations in riverine areas across the state.
To cushion the impact on the victims’ families, the governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nafada Local Government Council to provide immediate support and relief to those affected. He prayed for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace and for their families to find strength during this difficult time.
