5 teenagers die in Gombe boat mishap

No fewer than five teenagers have been confirmed dead in a boat accident in Nafada, Gombe State.

The victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim, 18; Hauwa’u Dogal, 15; Ummati Baraya, 16; Umaira Gidado, 16; and Amina Jaliya, 15.

The governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed sadness over the incident in a condolence message to the bereaved families.

The governor, in a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli, described the incident as painful and heart-wrenching, especially given the tender ages of the victims and the grief caused to their families.

“This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” Yahaya said, sympathising with their parents and the entire Nafada community.

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He noted that the loss was not only a tragedy for the families but also for the entire state.

Yahaya prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

He emphasised the need for strict adherence to water transport safety standards to prevent future mishaps.

The governor urged local councils, community leaders, boat operators, and regulators to enforce safety protocols across riverine areas.

He directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Nafada Local Government Council to support the affected families.

Yahaya also instructed relevant agencies to strengthen safety awareness among riverine communities in Gombe State.

The Star