4 dead, 5 missing after canoe capsizes in Jigawa

A tragic canoe accident has claimed the lives of four individuals, with five others still missing in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The heartbreaking incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, in the river near Zangon Maje village.

According to the statement, the ill-fated canoe was carrying 17 passengers—mostly young girls between the ages of 10 and 13—who were travelling from Digawa village in Jahun Local Government Area to Zangon Maje. Sadly, the canoe capsized midway through the journey, leading to the tragic loss of lives.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani.

He noted that seven passengers were rescued alive, while efforts are ongoing to locate the five missing individuals.

“Preliminary reports confirmed that out of the 17 passengers onboard, seven were rescued alive, four dead bodies have been recovered, while five persons remain missing as of the time of this release.

“Out of the 17 passengers, 16 were females. This highlights the devastating impact of this incident on young lives,” he lamented.

The PRO added that rescue efforts, led by the NSCDC in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers, were still being intensified to recover the missing victims.

According to him, the cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, while an investigation is still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tijjani reassured the public that the command was taking all necessary measures to avert future recurrences and ensure safety across the state’s waterways.

He quoted the NSCDC Commander in the state, Mr Bala Bawa, as expressing deep sympathy to the affected families and the communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje.

The commander also commended the swift response of all personnel and volunteers involved in the rescue operation, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigation and recovery efforts progress.