Boat Mishap Claims Dozens in Jigawa

A tragic canoe accident has claimed several lives in Jigawa State, with no fewer than 30 people feared dead after a canoe carrying dozens of passengers capsized in Ringim Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Malamawar Yandutse village when the canoe, reportedly conveying about 40 passengers, mostly women and children, overturned while on the water. Rescue operations were still ongoing at the time of filing this report, as emergency responders and local residents searched for survivors. Families of the victims have also been urged to help identify recovered bodies for burial.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Muhammad Bala Sanusi, said the exact number of those who died or survived had yet to be established. He explained that officials of the agency were working alongside local volunteers to rescue passengers and account for everyone who was on board when the canoe capsized.
Sanusi added that the cause of the accident had not yet been determined, noting that investigations would continue after the rescue operation. Also confirming the tragedy, the Chairman of the Emergency Management Committee, Malam Habibu Dauda, appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information until authorities issue an official update. Emergency officials said efforts remain focused on locating missing passengers and determining the full extent of the disaster.