Four Dead, Five Missing in Jigawa Boat Accident Involving Young Girls

At least four persons have been confirmed dead and five others remain missing following a tragic boat accident in Jigawa State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said.

The incident occurred on Sunday at about 5:00 p.m. in Zangon Maje village, Taura Local Government Area, when a canoe carrying 17 passengers, mostly girls aged between 10 and 13 years, capsized mid-journey.

The NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the development in a statement released to journalists in Dutse, the state capital, on Tuesday.

“Preliminary reports confirmed that out of the 17 passengers onboard, seven were rescued alive, four dead bodies have been recovered, while five persons remain missing as of the time of this release. Out of the 17 passengers, 16 were females. This highlights the devastating impact of this incident on young lives,” Tijjani stated.

The canoe was said to be en route from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje village in Taura LGA when the mishap occurred.

Tijjani added that rescue operations, coordinated by the NSCDC in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers, are still underway to recover the missing passengers.

“The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, while an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.

Tijjani further assured the public that proactive measures are being taken to prevent similar accidents on the state’s waterways.

He also quoted the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Bala Bawa, as expressing heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje.

“The command commends the swift response of all personnel and volunteers involved in the rescue operation. Further updates will be communicated as investigation and recovery efforts progress,” Bawa said.