A devastating incident unfolded in Gurin, a suburb within Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, as a boat capsized, leaving numerous passengers, including women and children, feared dead. The ill-fated wooden boat disaster occurred on Monday, September 11, 2023, while the passengers were returning from their farms and attending a naming ceremony.
This unfortunate event comes merely 48 hours after another boat mishap claimed eight lives in Rugange, situated in the Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa.
Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, the Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, has confirmed the occurrence of the incident. He noted that it transpired during the afternoon and reported that rescue operations were already underway.
Hon. Barr. Umar Bobbo Ismail, the representative for Fufore/Gurin constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, also verified the tragic incident.
Mahmud, one of the local divers involved in the rescue efforts, expressed that the tragedy might have been averted if the passengers had utilized life jackets and observed other essential safety precautions. He emphasized the necessity for government and relevant authorities to ensure the regular maintenance of waterways and the provision of safety equipment like life jackets to prevent future mishaps.
The recurrence of boat mishaps raises concerns about the safety of water transportation, particularly during the rainy season.
