Speedboats collide, capsize, 5 burial guests die, 6 survive
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
At least five people lost their lives and 20 others are missing after two speedboats carrying passengers returning from a burial collided and capsized in Warri South Council in Delta.
Eyewitnesses said most the passengers were not wearing life jackets when the collision happened.
Delta Police Command spokesperson Edafe Bright disclosed that six survivors were rescued with injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Warri.
“This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” she said, per Leadership.
A resident, who gave his name as Emmanuel Okoro, described the scene as chaotic, saying, “people were screaming for help. Some managed to swim to shore, but others disappeared beneath the water.”
Groom and bride’s sister killed in road accident 30 minutes before wedding
In a similar family tragedy up North, a groom and the bride’s elder sister lost their lives in a road accident that occurred just 30 minutes before the wedding ceremony in Bauchi.
Abba Musa and Maryam Suleiman died in the accident in Boto, Tafawa Balewa Council in Bauchi, sending shockwaves through the community and plunging families and friends into deep mourning.
Eyewitnesses said the deceased were travelling from Murno, a village about five kilometres from Boto, when the accident happened.
Musa’s brother Saminu Boto described the atmosphere in the community as one of profound grief.
“It’s an unimaginable loss. The entire community is mourning,” he said. “The families are in shock, struggling to comprehend the sudden and tragic turn of events.”
Boto described Musa as a kind-hearted and ambitious young man eagerly looking forward to starting a new life with his bride, Raihanatu Suleiman, and Maryam a devoted and supportive sister who played a significant role in planning the wedding.
“This dual tragedy has cast a shadow over the entire community. Many residents see this as one of the saddest days in recent memory.”
The remains of both victims were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites shortly after the accident.
Raihanatu the bride remains inconsolable, devastated by the loss of both her groom and sister on what should have been the happiest day of her life.
Read also:
Deaf man files lawsuit against ex-lover over broken marriage promise, fleecing him of N175k
