Despite repeated safety measures introduced by the Jigawa State Government and community leaders to curb boat accidents on inland waterways, tragedy struck again on Sunday evening, leading to the killing of six persons.
A canoe carrying over 30 passengers capsized on the Hadejia River near Malamawar Yan Dutse community in Ringim Local Government Area.
The incident, which has so far claimed six lives, has plunged the community and the state into fresh mourning and heightened fear among those who rely on water transport.
The Malamawar Yan Dutse mishap occurred on Sunday evening when the canoe, carrying farmers and labourers returning from the farm, including women, capsized. According to local sources, the boat was overcrowded, with over 40 passengers on board at the time of the accident.
Immediately after the capsizing, local divers and officials from the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) launched a desperate rescue mission, initially declaring more than 30 people missing. The search-and-rescue operation, which stretched from Sunday evening through Monday, yielded 25 survivors pulled from the water alive, while six lifeless bodies were recovered.
Speaking during a visit to the scene, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon Auwal D. Sankara, confirmed that six died but noted that rescue efforts were still ongoing to locate any remaining missing persons.
An eyewitness and community member, Aminu Kafinta, attributed the accident to overloading. He revealed that he and others had warned the canoe driver not to take on too many passengers.
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