A tragic canoe accident has claimed the lives of at least four people in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, with five others still missing as rescue operations continue.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM when a canoe carrying seventeen passengers capsized mid-journey. The vessel was transporting passengers, primarily young girls between 10 and 13 years of age, from Digawa Village in Jahun Local Government Area to Zangon Maje Town in Taura LGA.
According to eyewitnesses, seven passengers were rescued alive following the accident, while four bodies have been recovered. Search efforts remain underway for the five individuals still unaccounted for.
Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Jigawa State Command, confirmed the incident in an official statement.
"Jigawa State Command regrets to report a tragic boat mishap that occurred on Sunday, 27th July 2025, at approximately 1700hrs in Zangon Maje, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State," the statement read.
Rescue operations are being coordinated by the NSCDC in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers in an intensive effort to locate the missing individuals.
While the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
State Commandant of the NSCDC Jigawa State Command, Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga, expressed profound sympathy to the affected families and the communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje. He also commended the prompt response of all personnel and volunteers participating in the rescue operation.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about water transportation safety in Nigeria's rural communities, particularly during the rainy season when waterways can become hazardous.
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