JIGAWA BOAT ACCIDENT: EIGHT BODIES RECOVERED, NINE STILL MISSING AS RESCUE OPERATION CONTINUES

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Twenty-three people have been rescued alive, while eight bodies have been recovered following a boat mishap in Jigawa State involving 40 passengers, with search and rescue operations continuing for nine others still missing.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when a local boat conveying 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, capsized while crossing a waterway at Malamawar-Yan Dutse in Ringim Local Government Area of the state.

Boat accidents have remained a recurring tragedy in riverine communities across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, and are often attributed to overloading, the non-use of life jackets, and strong water currents.

Confirming the latest development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said 23 victims had been rescued alive, while eight bodies had so far been recovered.

“At the moment, we have successfully rescued 23 victims alive. Unfortunately, we have also recovered eight corpses from the river,” Adam said.

He explained that the incident involved a boat carrying about 40 passengers, which capsized in one of the state’s waterways.

According to him, local divers, emergency responders, and security personnel have been conducting search and rescue operations since the incident occurred.

The police spokesman said all the rescued victims had received medical attention and had been discharged.

“Those rescued are now safe at their homes, as they have already been discharged to reunite with their families,” he said.

Adam identified the survivors as Baba Dahiru, 60; Sule Daini Adamu, 45; Auwalu Mutari, 30; Anty Haruna, 17; Shamsiyya Dehuru, 9; Saiyada Adnanu, 15; Murjanatu Yusha’u, 15; Buhari Ubale, 40; Fahat Magaji, 25; Amira Yusha’u, 10; Nuriiya Yusuf, 11; Afiya A. Amadu, 60; Binta A. Sani, 13; Shamsi Baba Mal, 30; Yusuf Isiya, 35; Firdausi Sahalu, 7; Ajinjira Ashirin Ado, 13; Sawaida Safiyani, 9; Zainab Umar, 12; Ismail Umaru, 10; Hassana Zurkai, 7; Walaiya Yasa’a, 8; and Zainab Ashiru, 14.

“The victims comprise men, women, and children. We are glad that 23 lives were saved, and they are now safely in their homes,” he added.

The police spokesman disclosed that nine persons remain missing, adding that search operations would continue on Tuesday.

“We are not relenting. Our teams are combing the river and adjoining communities to ensure we find the remaining nine missing persons,” Adam said.

He appealed to residents of riverine communities to assist security agencies with useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts.

“Once again, we urge boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey,” he advised.

The police command assured the public that it would continue to provide updates as the search and rescue operation progresses.