No fewer than 30 persons are feared to have lost their lives after a canoe conveying farmers and other residents capsized on Sunday in Malamawar Yandutse community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, were reportedly returning home from their farms after a day’s agricultural activities when the overloaded canoe overturned while attempting to cross a river.
Online Tribune gathered that about 40 passengers were aboard the canoe at the time of the mishap, sparking fears that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
The tragic incident was confirmed to Online Tribune by the Chairman of Ringim Local Government Council, Hon. Shehu Dauda, who described the accident as unfortunate and heartbreaking.
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According to the council chairman, emergency responders, local divers and community volunteers were immediately mobilised to the scene to rescue survivors and recover the missing passengers.
He disclosed that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, stressing that it was too early to confirm the exact number of fatalities or survivors.
“We have received reports of the canoe accident involving residents of Malamawar Yandutse who were returning from their farms. Rescue operations are ongoing, and we are working closely with the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local volunteers and other relevant authorities to ascertain the actual number of casualties,” he said.
Hon. Shehu Dauda appealed to residents to remain calm and desist from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic, assuring them that the council would provide accurate updates as more facts emerge.
Meanwhile, officials of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have joined local emergency teams in the rescue operation, while families of the victims gathered on the riverbank awaiting news of their loved ones.
Boat accidents have continued to claim lives in several riverine communities across Jigawa State, particularly during the rainy season, with experts attributing many of the incidents to overloading, poor safety measures and rising water levels.
As of the time of filing this report, rescue teams were still combing the river, while authorities were expected to issue an official update on the number of those rescued, those missing and those confirmed dead after the operation.
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