The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, has confirmed the deaths of four individuals, with five others still missing following a canoe accident in Taura Local Government Area.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday around 5 p.m. at Zangon Maje village. According to a statement released on Tuesday in Dutse by the command’s spokesperson, ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani, the canoe was carrying 17 passengers—mostly young girls aged between 10 and 13—from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje when it capsized mid-journey.
“Preliminary findings revealed that out of the 17 passengers on board, seven were rescued alive, four bodies have been recovered, while five remain unaccounted for,” Tijjani stated.
He noted that 16 of the passengers were female, describing the incident as a heartbreaking blow to the affected communities and families.
Rescue operations involving NSCDC personnel, local divers, and community volunteers are ongoing to locate the missing victims. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and investigations are currently underway.
Tijjani assured the public that the command is working to prevent similar tragedies by strengthening safety measures across waterways in the state.
Meanwhile, NSCDC State Commandant Bala Bawa expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and commended the swift response of those involved in the rescue efforts.
He added that further updates would be provided as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
