Eight Dead, Nine Missing in Jigawa Boat Tragedy

At least eight people have been confirmed dead, while nine others remain missing, after a wooden boat carrying about 40 passengers capsized in Malamawar-Yan Dutse, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The victims, mostly female farmers and labourers, were crossing a waterway on Sunday when the boat overturned, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation.

The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed that 23 passengers were rescued alive, while the bodies of eight victims had been recovered from the river. Police spokesperson SP Shi'isu Adam said local divers, emergency responders and security personnel have continued searching for the remaining nine passengers believed to be missing.

Authorities said the cause of the accident is still under investigation, although boat mishaps remain common in riverine communities during the rainy season. Such incidents are frequently linked to overloading, the absence of life jackets and strong water currents, which significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.

The police urged residents and boat operators to comply with safety regulations, including observing passenger limits and ensuring the use of life jackets. Search and rescue efforts are expected to continue until all missing passengers are accounted for.