Six Dead, Two Missing in Tragic Jigawa Canoe Accident
Overloaded Canoe Capsizes in Flooded Waters
A devastating canoe accident has claimed six lives with two children still missing in Zangwan Maje village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, July 27, 2025, when an overloaded canoe carrying 15 children capsized amidst severe flooding and strong winds.
Rescue Efforts and Casualty Details
According to an official statement from the Jigawa State Police Command, seven children were successfully rescued alive from the disaster. The survivors include Rukayya Abdullahi (9), Ibrahim Garba (12), Fatima Yusuf (10), Suwaiba Yahaya (20), Rukayya Saleh (18), Jawahira Samaila (10), and Sakina Sule (11).
Tragically, six bodies have been recovered and identified as Hare Abdullahi (12), Halima Ma’azu (12), Nasiba Yahya (15), Saima Yusuf (25), Amina Sule (11), and Saiya Abdullahi (18). Medical personnel confirmed all victims deceased upon recovery.
Search Continues for Missing Children
Local divers, police officers, and community volunteers continue search operations for the two remaining missing children. The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, confirmed that the canoe operator fled the scene immediately after the accident.
“We are making concerted efforts to locate and apprehend the operator,” SP Adam stated. “He will face prosecution to serve as a deterrent against such negligence in the future.”
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the small farming community of Zangwan Maje devastated. Mallam Garba Maje, a village elder, expressed the collective grief: “We are in deep mourning. These were our precious children – our future. Such a catastrophe was unimaginable in our peaceful community.”
Police Commissioner Issues Safety Warning
Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, extended his condolences to the bereaved families while issuing critical safety advice to riverine communities:
“This heartbreaking incident underscores the dangers of water transportation during flood season. I implore all residents to avoid night journeys on water, never overload boats, and always use life jackets,” CP Muhammad emphasized.
Flood Season Dangers
The accident highlights the increasing risks posed by seasonal flooding in northern Nigeria. Meteorological agencies had previously warned of heightened flood risks in 2025 due to changing weather patterns and inadequate drainage infrastructure in many rural communities.
Local authorities have announced plans to increase water safety awareness campaigns and improve emergency response capabilities in vulnerable areas following this tragedy.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report on Channels Television.