TheCable

Seven girls died on Friday in a boat mishap that occurred in Auyo LGA of Jigawa state.

The Jigawa police command confirmed the development, adding that the incident occurred at River Gasanya.

Lawan Shiisu, spokesman of the Jigawa police command, in a statement, said the girls were aged between 10 and 12.

According to him, the boat which was conveying 10 persons capsized around 12:15 am on Friday.

He said 10 girls were on their way to an event in Gafasa village in Kafinhausa LGA of the state, and decided to enter into the boat which was parked at the river bank.

Three of the girls were rescued.

“On Nov. 19 at about 0030hrs, information was received from the Village Head of Gamfai that at the early hours of Friday at about 0015hrs, a boat capsized with girls numbering about 10,” the statement reads.

“Three of them were rescued while seven others, aged between 10 and 12, reportedly died.

“Subjects reportedly came from Gafasa village via Kafinausa LGA to Gasanya village in Auyo LGA for Maulud celebration.

“In a haste and anxiety to reach home considering the time, they deliberately decided to drive a boat parked at river Gasanya by themselves in the absence of craftsman.”

He added that the victims were taken to the General Hospital in Kafinausa, where they were confirmed dead.

The police added that investigation into the incident had commenced.

The development comes months after a boat mishap in Kebbi state led to the death of over 90 people.