Three rescued, two missing as boat capsizes in Bauchi

A passenger boat has reportedly capsized in the Zindiwa river, Gamawa LGA of Bauchi state.

Ahmed Wakil, police spokesperson in Bauchi, who confirmed the incident, told TheCable that the mishap occurred at about 10 am on Saturday.

Wakil said the boat capsized in the middle of the river, adding that two people are still missing while three passengers have been rescued.

“Today, 31st of August 2024, at about 12:1500 hrs, a report reaching us by a good Samaritan that about 10:4500 hrs, a boat piloted by one Haruna Isah of Wabo village capsized while he was crossing the Zindiwa river with some passengers on board,” the police spokesperson said.

“The passengers on board are Danjuma Ibrahim, 30 years old, Shafiu Alhaji Awale, 40 years old, Salisu Alaramma, 40 years old, Yakubu Tela, 57 years old, and Jamilu Kabiru, 22 years old, all of Zindiwa village.

“On reaching the middle of the river with the canoe, the canoe capsized, and all of them were thrown into the river.

“A search rescue was conducted immediately, and three of them were rescued, while Yakubu Tela and Jamilu Kabiru are still missing in the river.

“On receiving the report, the commissioner of police, Bauchi state command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammed, directed the DPO of Gamawa to move to the scene, and a search operation was conducted.”

Wakil said the search operation is still ongoing, adding that more updates will be shared on the incident.

Meanwhile, the boat was said to have served as an alternative means of transportation after flooding washed away the main road.

Many residents in the area were forced to depend on boats to reach their destinations.