23 rescued, eight dead as search continues after Jigawa boat mishap

At least eight people have been confirmed dead, while 23 others were rescued after a passenger boat carrying about 40 people capsized in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at Malamawar-Yan Dutse as the boat, conveying mostly female farmers and labourers, overturned while crossing a waterway, leaving several passengers trapped.

Police spokesperson in the state, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed on Monday that rescue operations were still ongoing, with nine passengers yet to be accounted for.

He said local divers, emergency responders and security personnel had been deployed to search for the missing victims and recover bodies from the river.

According to the police, all 23 rescued passengers received medical attention and have since been discharged to reunite with their families.

Adam said the search operation would continue on Tuesday, adding that security agencies were combing the river and surrounding communities in the hope of locating the remaining missing persons.

He appealed to residents of riverine communities to provide useful information that could assist rescue efforts and urged boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure passengers wear life jackets before embarking on journeys.

Boat accidents are common in several riverine communities across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, with overloading, failure to use life jackets and strong water currents frequently identified as major causes.