8 young girls die in Jigawa canoe tragedy

A devastating canoe mishap in Jigawa State has claimed the lives of eight young girls after their vessel overturned while crossing the Zangwan Maje river in Taura Local Government Area.

According to a report by security analyst Zagozola Makama, the incident happened around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday as 15 children were travelling from Zangwan Maje to Jijin Gunka when strong winds and the river’s raging currents caused the canoe to capsize.

“Fifteen children were on board the canoe when it capsized. Seven were rescued alive, while the bodies of the eight others, all females, were later recovered and handed over to their families,” said  sources.

The mishap has been linked to heavy flooding and violent windstorms that overwhelmed the local canoe.

He said that local divers and community members responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the rescue of the survivors and recovery of the bodies.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers during the rainy season and to make use of life jackets or safer transport options to prevent similar tragedies.