Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of five teenagers in a boat mishap that occurred on the Nafada River on Saturday.
The victims of the unfortunate incident were identified as Najib Ibrahim (18 years), Hauwa’u Jidda Adamu Siddi Dogal (15 years), Ummati Haruna Baraya (16 years), Umaira Gidado (16 years) and Amina Jaliya (15 years) — all from the Nafada community in Gombe State.
This was contained in a condolence message sent by Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli on Sunday.
Describing the incident as “heart-wrenching and painful,” Governor Yahaya said the loss was particularly devastating given the tender ages of the victims and the anguish it had brought upon their families and community.
“This is a very tragic and unfortunate incident that has cut short the lives of promising young people. My heart goes out to their parents, families and the entire Nafada community at this difficult time,” the governor said.
He added that the loss of the young victims was “not only a tragedy to their immediate families but to all of us as a people.”
Governor Yahaya extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Nafada Local Government Area, praying Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the loss.
“On behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives their shortcomings and grants them Jannatul Firdaus,” he prayed.
The governor also called for stricter adherence to safety standards in water transportation to avert future tragedies. He urged local government councils, community leaders, boat operators, and relevant regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all safety protocols.
Furthermore, Governor Yahaya directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Nafada Local Government Council to provide necessary support to the affected families and work with stakeholders to enhance safety awareness in riverine communities.
He emphasized that government will continue to strengthen preventive measures and sensitisation campaigns to reduce the recurrence of such avoidable disasters.
