A boat accident in Nafada town, Gombe State, on Saturday has claimed the lives of five teenagers, authorities confirmed.
The victims have been identified as:
Najib Ibrahim, 18
Hauwa’u Dogal, 15
Ummati Baraya, 16
Umaira Gidado, 16
Amina Jaliya, 15
Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy in a condolence message issued on Sunday by his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli.
Describing the incident as “painful and heart-wrenching,” the governor lamented the loss of young lives with great potential. He extended his sympathies to the bereaved parents and the entire Nafada community.
“This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” Yahaya said, adding that the loss was not only felt by the families but by the entire state.
He prayed for the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families the strength to bear the loss.
Governor Yahaya also stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety standards in water transportation to prevent future disasters. He called on local councils, community leaders, boat operators and regulatory bodies to enforce safety protocols across all riverine areas.
He directed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Nafada Local Government Council to provide support to the affected families and instructed relevant agencies to intensify safety awareness campaigns in riverine communities.
“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.
