Tragedy struck in Jigawa State on Saturday evening when eight girls drowned after a canoe carrying 15 youngsters capsized while crossing the Zangwan Maje river in Taura Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the accident occurred around 8:15 p.m. when the children were traveling from Zangwan Maje to Jijin Gunka amid strong winds and overflowing river currents.
"Fifteen children were on board the canoe when it capsized. Seven were rescued alive, while the bodies of the eight others, all females, were later recovered and handed over to their families," sources told BenriNews.
The incident was reportedly caused by the overflooding of the river and violent windstorms that overwhelmed the local canoe. Local divers and community members responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the rescue of the survivors and recovery of the bodies.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of water transportation during the rainy season in Nigeria's northern states, where rivers often swell beyond their normal levels, creating hazardous conditions for crossings.
Local authorities have advised residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers, especially during the rainy season, and to prioritize the use of life jackets and safer transportation alternatives.
The incident has cast a shadow over the community, with families mourning the loss of the young girls whose lives were cut short by the preventable disaster.
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