One dies, 39 missing after boat carrying farmers capsizes in Jigawa

Tragedy struck in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community of Ringim Local Government Area in Jigawa State, Nigeria, when a local boat carrying more than 40 passengers capsized on Sunday afternoon. The passengers were primarily female farmers and laborers traveling to their farms.

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One body had been recovered, while search and rescue operations were ongoing.

The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed that one body has been recovered, but 39 individuals are still missing. Search and rescue operations, involving police, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, and local divers, are actively underway to locate the remaining passengers.

Boat accidents are a persistent issue in northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season. Factors contributing to these recurring tragedies often include overloading of vessels, the non-use of life jackets, and strong water currents. The incident has plunged the riverine community into mourning as families anxiously await news.

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Hands are on deck as combined efforts continue to determine the exact number of those rescued or missing.

SP Shi’isu Adam, the Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State Command, stated that efforts are ongoing to thoroughly search the area in collaboration with other emergency agencies. The Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency also confirmed the details, noting that the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. Habibu Dauda, Chairman of the Ringim Local Government Emergency Management Committee, urged residents to remain calm and await official updates as the rescue operations continue.

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Local divers and residents had joined emergency responders in the search operation.