At least five teenage girls lost their lives following a boat mishap in Nafada town, Gombe State.
DAILY POST reports that the victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim, 18; Hauwa’u Dogal, 15; Ummati Baraya, 16; Umaira Gidado, 16; and Amina Jaliya, 15.
The state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, through his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli. on Sunday expressed deep sadness over the incident in a condolence message to the bereaved families.
He described the incident as painful and heart-wrenching, especially given the tender ages of the victims and the grief caused to their families.
“This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” the governor said, sympathising with their parents and the entire Nafada community.
According to him, the loss was not only a tragedy for the families but also for the entire state.
The governor prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss, stressing the need for strict adherence to water transport safety standards to prevent future mishaps.
He also called on local councils, community leaders, boat operators, and regulators to enforce safety protocols across riverine areas.
Yahaya ordered the State Emergency Management Agency and the Nafada Local Government Council to support the affected families.
