Tragedy struck in Tumu community, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, on Sunday when a 32-year-old woman was killed in a rice mill accident.
The victim, Hauwau Abubakar, a mother of six, had gone to buy rice when her flowing dress got caught in the rotating belt of a milling machine. She was dragged into the equipment and suffered a fatal neck injury.
Police said the incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. She was rushed to the Tumu Cottage Hospital but doctors confirmed her dead on arrival. Her body has since been released to her family for burial under Islamic rites.
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, described the incident as “a painful loss” and commiserated with the bereaved family and the community.
Following the tragedy, the police issued a safety warning to operators and traders in rice mills and similar workshops. The command urged the public to avoid standing close to moving belts, wear fitted clothing, keep children away from machines, and install protective guards.
The police also appealed for reports of unsafe practices, stressing their commitment to protecting lives across the state.
