Jigawa Canoe Tragedy: Scores Feared Dead as Rescue Mission Continues
A major rescue operation is underway in Jigawa State after a passenger canoe carrying dozens of people overturned in Ringim Local Government Area, leaving many feared dead.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Malamawar Yandutse village, where the canoe, reportedly conveying about 40 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized while crossing the water.
Witnesses said local residents quickly mobilised to rescue those trapped, while distraught relatives gathered along the riverbank as recovered bodies were brought ashore for identification and burial.
The Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Muhammad Bala Sanusi, confirmed the incident, saying emergency teams were still searching for survivors and working to determine the exact number of casualties.
According to him, officials have yet to establish what caused the canoe to overturn, adding that the operation remains ongoing as authorities strive to account for everyone believed to have been on board.
Also confirming the tragedy, Chairman of the Emergency Management Committee, Malam Habibu Dauda, urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified casualty figures while rescue efforts continue.
As of the time of filing this report, no official death toll had been released, with emergency responders still combing the area in search of survivors and missing passengers.
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