23 rescued, 8 dead as boat carrying 40 passengers capsizes in Jigawa

Twenty-three people have been rescued alive, while eight bodies have been recovered after a boat carrying 40 passengers capsized in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when the locally built boat, conveying mostly female farmers and labourers, overturned while crossing a waterway at Malamawar-Yan Dutse, leaving dozens trapped in the river.

Confirming the development on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said search and rescue operations were still ongoing for the remaining nine passengers who are yet to be found.

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

According to the police, local divers, emergency responders and security personnel have remained at the scene since the accident, working to rescue survivors and recover the missing victims.

The command disclosed that all 23 rescued passengers received medical attention and have since been discharged to reunite with their families.

SP Adam said rescue teams would resume the search on Tuesday, expressing optimism that the remaining missing persons would be found.

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

The police also appealed to residents of nearby communities to provide useful information that could assist the rescue operation.

The command further urged boat operators to strictly observe safety regulations by avoiding overloading and ensuring passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey.

Boat accidents remain a recurring tragedy in many riverine communities across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, with overloading, failure to use life jackets and strong water currents frequently identified as major causes.