A tragic boat mishap on Saturday in Nafada town, Gombe State, has claimed the lives of five teenagers.
The victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim (18), Hauwa’u Dogal (15), Ummati Baraya (16), Umaira Gidado (16), and Amina Jaliya (15).
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a condolence message to the bereaved families.
The message was issued on Sunday in Gombe by his media aide, Mr. Ismaila Uba-Misilli.
Yahaya described the tragedy as “painful and heart-wrenching,” especially considering the young ages of the victims and the grief their deaths caused to their families.
“This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,”
the governor said, sympathizing with their parents and the entire Nafada community.
He noted that the loss was not only a personal tragedy for the affected families but also a collective loss for the entire state.
Governor Yahaya prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the loss.
He also emphasized the urgent need for strict adherence to water transport safety regulations 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 (SEMA) and the Nafada Local Government Council to provide support to the affected families.
Yahaya further instructed relevant agencies to intensify safety awareness campaigns among riverine communities in the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I extend our deepest sympathies,” he said, praying that God forgives the victims’ shortcomings and grants them paradise.