Jigawa boat accident death toll rises to six, 34 still missing

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that the number of bodies recovered from the boat mishap at Malamawar Yan Dutse community in Ringim Local Government Area has risen to six, while 34 persons remain missing.

The Command said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when a boat conveying 40 farmers and labourers capsized while crossing a river.

Confirming the latest development to PUNCH on Monday afternoon, the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said rescue teams had intensified search operations.

Adam said the number of recovered bodies had increased to six, adding that a joint operation involving the police, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency and local divers was ongoing to recover the remaining victims.

According to him, search and rescue operations will continue until all passengers aboard the boat are accounted for.

Speaking with PUNCH at the riverside, a local diver, Malam Jibril Sani, said search efforts had continued since the incident occurred.

He said, “We started the search immediately after the incident occurred, before the Maghrib prayer on Sunday, and stopped when night fell before resuming the search this morning.”

Another diver, Yakubu Danfulani, said local divers were working alongside emergency officials to locate the missing person

Residents of communities across the river in Jigawa State said they are living in fear following Sunday’s boat mishap, with many now reluctant to use water transportation.

According to them, the incident has created panic and disrupted movement, warning that unless urgent measures are taken, many communities could remain cut off from their farms, markets and schools.