The Jigawa Police Command has confirmed that no fewer than 16 people lost their lives as a canoe carrying 30 passengers capsized in Adiyani village, Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The Jigawa State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, who confirmed the incident, said the canoe was conveying passengers across a river when it overturned.
According to the report, ten passengers were rescued and fourteen remain missing after the canoe overturned.
SP Adam added that rescue efforts are ongoing, with security operatives and local volunteers working to locate the missing persons.
According to him, the victims were travelling between communities when the accident occurred, throwing all passengers into the river.
The state police image-maker said police operatives, in collaboration with local divers and community members immediately launched a rescue operation.
While adding that while ten people were rescued alive and search efforts are continuing to recover those still missing, the police spokesperson noted that investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the accident.
According to him, authorities have warned residents to avoid overcrowding canoes and to adhere strictly to safety measures, especially during river crossings.
Meanwhile, the Jigawa State Government has expressed concern over the incident and called for increased vigilance among riverine communities to prevent similar tragedies.
