five teenage girls have died in a boat mishap in Nafada town, Gombe State.

The victims were identified as Najib Ibrahim, 18; Hauwa’u Dogal, 15; Ummati Baraya, 16; Umaira Gidado, 16; and Amina Jaliya, 15.

Inuwa Yahaya, the state governor, through his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli. on Sunday, Oct. 26, expressed deep grief over the incident in a condolence message to the bereaved families.

He described the incident as painful and heart-wrenching, especially given the tender ages of the victims and the grief caused to their families.

“This tragic incident has cut short the lives of promising young people,” the governor stated, sympathising with their parents and the entire Nafada community.

According to him, the loss was not only a tragedy for the families but also for the entire state.

The governor prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the loss, stressing the need for strict adherence to water transport safety standards to prevent future mishaps.

He also urged the local councils, community leaders, boat operators, and regulators to enforce safety protocols across riverine areas.

Yahaya instructed the State Emergency Management Agency and the Nafada Local Government Council to support the affected families.