At least six people have been confirmed dead, while 15 others were rescued after a canoe carrying about 40 passengers capsized in Malamawa village, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The tragic incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, prompting an immediate rescue operation led by the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Confirming the incident, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, said emergency responders have so far recovered six bodies and rescued 15 survivors, with efforts still underway to locate those who remain unaccounted for.
“We have so far recovered six bodies and rescued 15 persons alive. Search operations are still ongoing,” Sankara said.
He assured residents that rescue teams would continue combing the area until every passenger involved in the accident is accounted for.
According to eyewitnesses, the canoe was reportedly overloaded before it overturned, raising fresh concerns about adherence to water transport safety regulations in the area.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact number of passengers still missing as rescue operations continue.
