Over 30 Feared Dead in Jigawa Canoe Capsize Incident

A tragic incident occurred in Jigawa State, where no fewer than 30 individuals are feared dead after a canoe capsized on Sunday while returning from farming activities in the Malamawar Yanduts community, Ringim Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the canoe was overloaded with approximately 40 passengers at the time of the mishap.

The chairman of the Ringim Local Government Council, Hon. Shehu Dauda, described the accident as unfortunate and heartbreaking. Local divers and community volunteers were immediately mobilized for search and rescue operations, which are ongoing.

The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is working closely with local volunteers to ascertain the actual number of casualties. Hon. Shehu Dauda has appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic.

The canoe accident is part of a worrying trend, as similar incidents have claimed lives in riverine communities across Jigawa State, particularly during the rainy season, attributed to overload and poor safety measures.