By Abdulkareem Haruna

ADAMAWA, Nigeria – A tragic canoe accident in Adamawa State has claimed the lives of 18 local farmers, with rescue parties still searching for the missing. This incident comes just days after a similar tragedy resulted in over a dozen fatalities.

Survivor Muhammad Abdullahi detailed the harrowing experience to Humangle, describing how a sudden downpour and strong winds led to the canoe capsizing. “We were in the canoe, and you could hardly see the person controlling it because the wind was strong and everywhere was dark, while the rain was also so heavy that it became like a husk,” Abdullahi said.

The canoe, carrying around 40 passengers, was returning from the farms and a condolence visit to a neighboring village close to Cameroon when it went out of control. A few passengers who could dive managed to escape and help rescue others.

“So far, 18 people died, and the search for others is still ongoing; while we were rescued, we are about 15,” Abdullahi continued.

The river, which connects to Cameroon, is frequently used as a means of transportation to neighboring villages in the Republic of Cameroon. Some of the victims were returning from a condolence visit to one such village when the accident occurred.

Upon visiting Gurin, the governor prayed for the eternal rest of the victims and reminded residents of the risks of using a canoe without proper safety measures, such as life jackets. He also urged residents to prioritize their safety and called on government agencies to regulate water transportation.

This incident underscores the need for improved safety measures in water transportation, particularly in regions where it is a primary means of travel. The recent tragedies have cast a somber shadow over the community, which is still reeling from the loss of more than a dozen lives just three days prior. As the search for the missing continues, the community hopes for closure and safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.