17 persons missing in Adamawa boat accident

Gov Fintiri

 

No fewer than 17 persons are still missing in a boat accident that occured in Adamawa State conveying 23 passengers.

ROYAL NEWS gathered that a local boat conveying locals capsized in Njuwa Lake across Rugange village in Yola South Local Government Area, according to a witness, Faisal Dabo Rugange, who said the incident happened earlier in the day, Friday when the victims were going to Yola town for their local businesses.

“It was raining when the accident happened. A heavy windstorm blew water into the boat and it capsized instantly,” Faisal said.

He added that although the local boat was carrying more than 20 passengers, only six were rescued by local divers and a bigger boat which arrived at the scene.

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Faisal who complained of perennial suffering by the Rugange community as a result of overflow by large volumes of water along the River Benue, said the people need bigger engine boats.

The Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Mohamed Suleiman, said one person died, five were rescued and 17 others were yet to be seen.

Also speaking on the incident, the Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the command had deployed Marine police officers to help in the rescue operation.

He added that the actual number of those on board had not been ascertained as the rescue operation was still on.