Boat Capsizes in Jigawa: Eight Bodies Found, Nine Still Missing

Officials and local divers are searching for victims of a boat accident in Malamawar-Yan Dutse, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Twenty-three people have been rescued alive. Sadly, eight bodies have been recovered from the mishap involving 40 passengers. Search and rescue efforts are still on for nine people who are missing.

The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. A local boat carrying 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and laborers, capsized while trying to cross a waterway in Malamawar-Yan Dutse. Many of the passengers were trapped in the water.

Boat accidents often happen in river communities in northern Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. These incidents are usually due to overloading, lack of life jackets, and strong water currents.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the situation in a phone call with The PUNCH on Monday.

"We have successfully rescued 23 victims alive. Unfortunately, we have also recovered eight corpses from the river," Adam said.

He explained that the boat had about 40 passengers when it capsized in one of the state’s waterways. Local divers, emergency responders, and security personnel have been working since the incident to rescue those affected and recover bodies.

Adam noted that all the rescued victims have been treated and discharged.

"Those rescued are now safe at their homes, as they have already been discharged to reunite with their families," he added.

The police spokesperson named the survivors. The 23 people who survived include Baba Dahiru, 60; Sule Daini Adamu, 45; Auwalu Mutari, 30; Anty Haruna, 17; Shamsiyya Dehuru, 9; Saiyada Adnanu, 15; Murjanatu Yusha’u, 15; Buhari Ubale, 40; Fahat Magaji, 25; and Amira Yusha’u, 10.

Other survivors are Nuriiya Yusuf, 11; Afiya A. Amadu, 60; Binta A. Sani, 13; Shamsi Baba Mal, 30; Yusuf Isiya, 35; Firdausi Sahalu, 7; Ajinjira Ashirin Ado, 13; Sawaida Safiyani, 9; Zainab Umar, 12; Ismail Umaru, 10; Hassana Zurkai, 7; Walaiya Yasa’a, 8; and Zainab Ashiru, 14.

"The victims include men, women, and children. We are glad that 23 lives were saved, and they are now safely in their homes," the police spokesman said.

The PPRO also mentioned that nine people are still missing and that search operations will continue on Tuesday morning.

"We are not giving up. Our teams are searching the river and nearby communities to find the remaining nine missing persons," he said.

He urged residents in river communities to help security agencies with any information that could aid in the rescue efforts.

"We urge boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure passengers wear life jackets before any journey," SP Adam advised.

The police command promised to keep the public updated as more information comes in from the ongoing search and rescue operation.