A tragic boat accident occurred on the Jole River in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, resulting in the loss of six lives.
The incident, which took place on Sunday, also saw nine passengers successfully rescued. The boat was reportedly carrying several people when it capsized, leading to the unfortunate fatalities. Local authorities have responded swiftly, with rescue operations launched to recover survivors and bodies. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, but investigations are underway.
Confirming the story Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, stated in a post on his X handle on Sunday: “A boat accident on the Jole River in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State has claimed six lives, while nine other passengers were rescued alive, the Taraba State Police Command has confirmed. Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
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“According to police sources, the boat was conveying 15 people when it capsized midstream. Rescue efforts led to the recovery of nine survivors, while the bodies of six passengers were later pulled from the river.
“The deceased have been identified as Dadi Mallam Dotti (30), Mubarak Abdu (21), Bappa Mallam Dotti (20), Adamu Yayagardi (30), and one Madugu (22), all from Badabdi, Funakaye LGA of Gombe State, of the Terawa ethnic group. The sixth victim was Umar Gambo (34), of Zaura Ward, Damban LGA, Bauchi State, of the Karakare ethnic group.
“The boat driver is currently at large, and efforts are ongoing to locate him. The police sources said that search and recovery operations were conducted in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers”.
