Tragedy struck in Kauranmata village in Madobi local government area of Kano State as four people lost their lives after a canoe they were traveling in capsised.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening when the victims, along with 12 others, were returning from Karfi town in Kura local government area where they worked as local rice processors.
Madobi Local Government Information Officer, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Maryam Jibrin, Yusuf Galinja, Kabiru Muhammad, and Safiyanu Musa.
He further revealed that the bodies of the victims were recovered and buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday.
According to him, rescue operations have so far saved five people, including the canoe paddler and a nursing mother.
However, the search continues for a missing child and six other passengers feared to have drowned in the accident.
Local residents believe the tragedy was caused by overloading, as the canoe was reportedly carrying two bags of rice and a motorcycle, in addition to the 16 passengers.
The ward head of Kauran Mata, Ibrahim Lawan, has called on the Kano State government and local authorities to provide modern speed boats equipped with life jackets to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Kano State Fire Service spokesman, Saminu Abdullahi, also confirmed the incident, noting that the councillor representing Kauran Mata Ward, Aminu Garba, had promptly contacted the state fire service for assistance, adding that efforts are ongoing to locate the missing passengers.
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