A tragic boat mishap at Zangon Maje in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State has claimed the lives of several young girls, with rescue operations still ongoing for missing victims.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the incident occurred on Sunday when a boat carrying 17 passengers capsized mid-river.
The ill-fated vessel was transporting mostly young girls aged between 10 and 13 years from Digawa Village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje in Taura LGA when the tragedy struck. Reports indicate that many of the children were likely returning from visits or errands.
Emergency responders have so far rescued seven girls alive from the water, while four bodies have been recovered. Search and rescue operations continue for the remaining five passengers who are still missing.
Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga of the NSCDC in Jigawa expressed profound grief over the incident, stating: "The loss of such young lives is devastating. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, and we remain committed to finding those still missing. We are also taking steps to improve safety across our waterways to prevent future tragedies."
The commandant also commended the swift response of emergency personnel and local volunteers who mobilized quickly to rescue survivors and support recovery efforts.
While the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine what led to the capsizing.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about water transportation safety in Nigeria's rural communities, where boats remain a crucial mode of transport across rivers and waterways.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
