Six Dead, Several Missing as Overloaded Canoe Capsizes in Jigawa, 15 Rescued

At least six people have been confirmed dead, while 15 others were rescued after a canoe carrying about 40 passengers capsized in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The tragic incident occurred at about 4 p.m on Sunday in Malamawa village, with several passengers still unaccounted for as emergency responders continued search and rescue operations.

Officials of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were deployed to the scene shortly after the accident to coordinate rescue efforts alongside local responders.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, said six bodies had been recovered while 15 passengers were rescued alive.

"We have so far recovered six bodies and rescued 15 persons alive. Search operations are still ongoing," Sankara said.

He assured that the state government would sustain rescue operations until every passenger involved in the accident had been accounted for.

"We will continue the rescue mission until every single person is found, dead or alive," he added.

Although authorities have yet to determine the exact number of passengers still missing, eyewitnesses said the canoe was carrying about 40 people when it overturned.

Some witnesses alleged that the canoe was overloaded, raising fresh concerns over compliance with safety regulations on inland waterways.

As of the time of filing this report, rescue teams remained at the scene, combing the river in search of survivors and recovering possible victims while authorities continued efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.