Tragedy in Jigawa as Passenger Canoe Overturns, Dozens Feared Dead
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 happened on Sunday evening at Malamawar Yandutse village. Witnesses said the canoe was transporting about 40 passengers, most of them women and children, when it suddenly capsized while on the water.
Local residents immediately joined emergency responders in search efforts, while grieving families gathered at the scene to identify recovered bodies for burial.
Muhammad Bala Sanusi, Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the accident, stating that rescue operations were still in progress.
He explained that authorities were yet to establish the exact number of those who lost their lives or survived, as officials continued efforts to account for every passenger.
Sanusi also noted that investigators had not determined what caused the canoe to overturn, adding that emergency personnel were working closely with community members to locate anyone who might still be missing.
The Chairman of the Emergency Management Committee, Malam Habibu Dauda, also confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to remain calm.
He appealed to residents to avoid circulating unverified reports until the rescue operation is completed and the relevant authorities release official casualty figures.
Emergency teams remained at the scene as of the time of filing this report, with rescue efforts continuing.
