A tragic accident in Shuwarin town, Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has left two people dead and caused the loss of about 40 donkeys.
The incident occurred on Monday when a DAF vehicle, registered as NGU 498 XA and driven by 34-year-old Mohd Hassan from Potiskum, Yobe State, lost control and overturned.
An eyewitness reported that the vehicle, traveling from Yobe State to Enugu State, was loaded with approximately 100 donkeys and had several passengers on board.
Confirming the accident, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State Command, ASP Shiisu Lawan Adam, stated, “Tragically, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it fell down, resulting in the loss of two precious lives – Innani Abubakar, a 45-year-old female, and Kalifa Adamu, a 30-year-old male, both from Potiskum.”
The driver, who sustained severe injuries and lost his left hand, was rushed to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano for urgent medical attention.
ASP Adam added, “Unfortunately, the incident happened on the market’s day of the town, and about 40 donkeys being conveyed in the involved trailer in the accident also died on the spot.”
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, preliminary findings suggest that speeding may have been a contributing factor.
The police have called for greater caution on the roads and adherence to traffic regulations to avoid similar incidents in the future.
A community leader, Malam Auwal Danbaba, expressed his shock over the accident, recounting, “I just heard the loud sound from my back. I was in shock and grief as I witnessed what just happened, and all I could muster to say was ‘Innalillahi wa’inna’ilaihi raji’un’ when I turned back to see the trailer turned upside down.”
He added, “This incident underscores the importance of road safety measures, such as education and awareness campaigns, strict law enforcement, and improved infrastructure in the area because this is not the first time such a similar incident happened here.”
The community of Shuwarin continues to mourn the losses from this tragic event.
