Six Bodies Recovered, 34 Feared Missing as Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Jigawa

At least six people have been confirmed dead, while 34 others are feared missing after a canoe carrying dozens of passengers capsized in Malamawar Yan Dutse community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The Jigawa State Government confirmed the incident on Sunday, describing it as a tragic accident.

The State Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Auwalu Sankara, who visited the affected community, said the boat accident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. when a canoe conveying between 30 and 40 passengers overturned while crossing a river.

According to the commissioner, preliminary findings indicate that the canoe was overloaded, with the number of passengers exceeding its carrying capacity.

He disclosed that six bodies had been recovered, while search and rescue operations were continuing to locate the remaining missing passengers.

Sankara added that the recovered victims would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of people on board, as rescue efforts continue. The incident adds to the growing number of fatal boat accidents in Nigeria, often linked to overloading, poor safety compliance and the absence of life jackets.