Officials of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that the passengers were predominantly women and children.
By Mmesoma Onwuka
365Daily – A tragic canoe accident in Jigawa State has left more than 40 women and children feared dead, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation by emergency officials and local volunteers.
The incident occurred in Ringim Local Government Area, where a canoe conveying passengers reportedly capsized during a journey along a local waterway. While the exact circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, authorities say efforts are ongoing to account for all those who were on board.
Officials of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that the passengers were predominantly women and children. Rescue teams were immediately deployed following reports of the accident, with local divers and community members joining the operation in a bid to locate survivors and recover victims.
According to emergency management authorities, the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed as rescue efforts continue. However, preliminary reports indicate that dozens of passengers may have drowned when the vessel overturned.
The Jigawa State Police Command also confirmed the incident and said security personnel are working alongside emergency responders to support ongoing rescue activities. Authorities have assured affected families that every effort is being made to determine the fate of those still unaccounted for.
The accident has once again drawn attention to the challenges associated with water transportation in several riverine and rural communities, where residents often depend on canoes and boats for daily movement.
Concerns have frequently been raised over safety standards, passenger capacity compliance, and the availability of life saving equipment on local waterways.
As of the time of filing this report, search operations were still in progress, with officials expected to provide updated casualty figures as more information emerges.
The Jigawa State Government has yet to release a comprehensive statement on the tragedy, while residents continue to await news of missing relatives and loved ones.