The Jigawa State government has confirmed that twenty-three persons have been rescued, while eight bodies have been recovered from Sunday’s boat accident.
The event happened at Malamawar-Yan Dutse in Ringim Local Government Area, where a wooden boat carrying around 40 passengers, largely female farmers and laborers, collapsed while crossing a canal.
Boat accidents continue to be a regular tragedy in riverine villages throughout northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, and are frequently blamed on overloading, failure to wear life jackets, and strong water currents.
SP Shi’isu Adam, the Jigawa State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the most recent casualty figure.
He stated that search and rescue operations continued for the remaining nine passengers.
“At the moment, we have successfully rescued 23 victims alive. Unfortunately, we have also recovered eight corpses from the river,” Adam said.
He stated that local divers, emergency responders, and security officers had been on the scene since the tragedy to help rescue survivors and recover bodies.
According to him, all of the rescued victims received medical attention and were later released.
“Those rescued are now safe at their homes as they were discharged to reunite with their families,” he said.
Adam also stated that the search for the remaining nine passengers would continue on Tuesday.
“We are not relenting. Our teams are combing the river and adjoining communities to ensure we find the remaining nine persons,” he said.
He called on residents of riverine communities to assist security agencies with useful information that could aid the rescue operation.
The police spokesman also called on boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure that all passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey.
