40 women, children die in Jigawa canoe mishap

At least 40 women and children are feared dead after a canoe capsized in Malamawa community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred on Sunday as the victims were crossing a waterway in the area.

The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the tragedy in a statement, saying the canoe was conveying mostly women and children when it overturned.

According to the command, one body has so far been recovered, while rescue teams continue to search for other victims believed to have drowned.

Police spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, said security personnel, emergency responders and local volunteers had intensified efforts to recover those still missing.

“The rescue operation is ongoing, and security personnel, alongside emergency responders and volunteers, are working tirelessly to search for those still missing,” he said.

The police said the cause of the accident had yet to be established, adding that investigations and rescue operations were still in progress.