What began as a peaceful Sallah visit ended in tragedy for a family in Chakumi community, Abaji Area Council of the FCT, when two brothers lost their lives after their boat overturned on River Gurara.
The deceased, Yakubu Sheneni, 14, and Usman Sheneni, 16, had been traveling by canoe to Daku village in Gwagwalada when the fatal accident occurred.
Family member Tanko Shilani explained to Abuja Metro that the vessel, which was being navigated by one of the teenagers, could not withstand the river’s powerful current and capsized during the crossing. Both boys were carried away by the water and their bodies were later recovered.
“The river’s overflow caused the canoe to become unstable,” Shilani said, noting that the brothers were laid to rest immediately following Islamic burial customs.
The tragedy has plunged the local community into grief and renewed demands for better safety measures at river crossings and enhanced transport infrastructure, particularly during the wet season when water levels rise.
