Six Dead, Two Missing After Canoe Capsizes in Jigawa

A tragic canoe accident in Zangwan Maje village, Taura LGA, Jigawa State, killed six children.

Earlier on Sunday, July 27, 2025, fifteen children had boarded a canoe to return from Jejin Gunka farm.

Despite warnings about strong winds, they attempted to cross the flooded river.

Unfortunately, overloading and rough water currents caused the canoe to capsize, according to eyewitnesses.

Immediately after the incident, local divers and volunteers rushed to rescue the victims.

Thankfully, they pulled seven children from the water alive.

Meanwhile, community members continued to search for two children who remained missing.

By Tuesday, the Jigawa State Police recovered six bodies from the river.

A medical doctor at a nearby hospital later confirmed the six deaths.

Specifically, the victims included Hare Abdullahi (12), Halima Ma’azu (12), Nasiba Yahya (15), and Saima Yusuf (25).

Additionally, Amina Sule (11) and Saiya Abdullahi (18) also lost their lives.

On the other hand, those rescued include Rukayya Abdullahi (9), Ibrahim Garba (12), Fatima Yusuf (10), and Suwaiba Yahaya (20).

Furthermore, Rukayya Saleh (18), Jawahira Samaila (10), and Sakina Sule (11) survived the tragic accident.

In response to the tragedy, the police confirmed that the canoe operator had fled the scene.

Authorities have since launched a manhunt to locate and arrest him.

Shortly after, Commissioner of Police Dahiru Muhammad visited the village to console grieving families.

He offered heartfelt condolences and pledged swift action against anyone who violated safety rules.

Moreover, he urged villagers to avoid river travel during harsh weather conditions.

Additionally, CP Muhammad warned canoe operators not to overload their vessels or travel without life jackets.

Speaking emotionally, community elder Mallam Garba Maje described the tragedy as a devastating loss.

“These children were our hope,” he said tearfully.

As of Wednesday morning, divers, police officers, and villagers were still searching the riverbanks.

The entire village has joined forces to find the two children still missing.

In reaction, residents demanded stricter regulation for river transport in flood-prone areas.

They also urged local leaders to initiate safety awareness campaigns in rural communities.

Ultimately, the tragedy has reignited concerns about water safety in remote Nigerian villages.

As a result, many citizens now call for urgent government action to prevent future disasters.

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