Six persons have been confirmed dead while two others were declared missing in a canoe mishap that occurred in Maje Village, Taura local government area of Jigawa State.
Spokesperson of Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Lawan confirmed the incident, disclosing that the boat capsized while conveying women and children from Gunka to Zangwan Maje Village.
He explained that the local divers and other Good Samaritans jointly swung into action to rescue 7 children alive.
“Unfortunately, 6 corpses were recovered and were certified dead by medical doctors while 2 children are still missing,” SP Shi’isu said.
He added that efforts were ongoing to recover the two children.
The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Command, CP Dahiru Muhammad, expressed deep condolences to the affected families and the entire community of Zangwan Maje.
He also called on residents in riverine communities to avoid night journeys and overload, and to wear life jackets whenever they board a canoe.
