Three chadian nationals feared dead as canoe capsizes in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Tragedy struck on Sunday evening in Gamboru-Ngala, Borno State, when a canoe carrying eight passengers capsized while crossing the river bordering Nigeria’s Gamboru town and Fotokol in Cameroon, leaving three persons feared dead.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. when the canoe, operated by one Mamman Nur Abbagana of Kasuwan Katako, Gamboru, overturned midstream with all passengers thrown into the water.
Security sources confirmed that all eight passengers were Chadian nationals travelling from Jos, Plateau State, en route to N’Djamena, Chad Republic.
Five passengers, whose identities were yet to be confirmed at press time, were rescued alive.
However, a woman identified as Alphosine Makebu Beboroum, 34, and her two daughters Centich Mamajibe, 3, and Mamajilem Bebaroum, 10 months, all Chadian nationals, drowned and had not yet been recovered as of Monday morning. The search and rescue mission is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Police authorities also confirmed the arrest of the canoe paddler for violating the Borno State Government’s directive mandating the use of life jackets by all canoe and boat operators.
The command said preliminary investigations were ongoing.
