A woman and her three children have tragically lost their lives in a canoe accident between Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Areas in Borno State.
The incident happened on September 23, 2024, amid severe flooding that has affected communities in the region.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the accident in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso, on Tuesday in Maiduguri. The police extended their deepest condolences to the victims’ families.
“A report was received from a good Samaritan at the Dikwa Divisional Police headquarters about a distressing canoe accident that occurred on 23rd September 2024 at about 3:30 PM in the Bakassi community between Mafa and Dikwa along Maiduguri Road,” the statement read. “The incident involved a canoe carrying passengers, which submerged in floodwaters, resulting in the loss of four female lives.”
The victims were identified as Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult woman from Marte LGA, and her three children: 10-year-old Maimuna Akura, 6-year-old Umira Alhaji Bulama, and 5-month-old Yagana Bulama Kawu, all from Bulabulin Ward, Dikwa.
The bodies were taken to Dikwa General Hospital, where a doctor confirmed their deaths. The police have since released the bodies to the families for burial according to Islamic rites.
Commissioner of Police, CP ML Yusufu, expressed his condolences and urged residents of flood-affected areas to exercise caution. He also encouraged people to report emergencies to the authorities.
This tragedy comes just two days after the police issued a public warning about the severe flooding affecting Dikwa and Mafa, urging road users to be cautious.
