By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

At least a woman and her three children were confirmed dead in a tragic canoe accident which took place between Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Area of Borno state.

Recall that the September 10th flood that ravaged parts of Maiduguri has moved into Mafa and Dikwa communities wrecking havoc in the last four days.

Confirming the unfortunate incident, the Borno State Police Command extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the devastating canoe accident.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

He said: “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:- Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult female from Marte LGA, Maimuna Akura, 10 years old, Umira Alhaji Bulama, 6 years old and 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”. He stated.

This incident is coming barely two days after the Police Command issued a public warning on the devastating effect of the flood in Dikwa and Mafa, urging people plying such roads to be very careful.