By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
At least six people are still missing while one person has been confirmed dead after an overloaded canoe capsized in Malamawa Yandutse, near Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident occurred at about 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2026, when a canoe carrying about 25 passengers from different communities overturned while crossing a river.
A survivor, Malam Dahiru of Malamawa Yandutse, said the canoe was conveying mostly women and children. He added that many of the passengers were females between the ages of seven and 24.
A reliable source disclosed that 16 passengers were rescued alive, while six others were initially reported missing. Rescue teams later recovered the body of Aisha Nura, an eight-year-old girl from Malamawa Yandutse.
As of the time of filing this report, six people were still unaccounted for, while search and rescue operations were ongoing.
Preliminary investigations indicate that overloading may have contributed to the accident. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the safe rescue of those still missing. The Command also commended community members and emergency responders for their swift response to the incident.
The NSCDC urged boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to water transport safety regulations by avoiding overloading, ensuring the use of life jackets, and complying with established safety guidelines. It also called on community leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns on water safety, particularly during the rainy season when rivers become deeper and currents stronger.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property while promoting safer water transportation across Jigawa State
