Jigawa boat accident death toll rises to six, 34 still missing

The number of confirmed fatalities from a devastating boat accident in Nigeria's Jigawa State has climbed to six, as authorities continue the search for 34 individuals still missing. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community, Ringim Local Government Area, when a boat carrying 40 farmers and laborers capsized while navigating a river. Rescue teams, a joint effort comprising the police, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, and local divers, have intensified their operations. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the rising death toll and stated that the search will persist until all passengers are accounted for. Local divers, who began searching immediately after the incident, are working tirelessly alongside emergency officials. Residents of the affected communities are experiencing profound grief and fear, with many expressing reluctance to use water transportation. They are appealing to both state and federal governments for essential safety measures, including life jackets, ferries, and improved infrastructure like roads and bridges, to prevent future tragedies and ensure connectivity.

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We started the search immediately after the incident occurred, before the Maghrib prayer on Sunday, and stopped when night fell before resuming the search this morning.