40 feared dead as canoe capsizes in Jigawa community

The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency has said not fewer than 40 people are feared dead after a canoe carrying women and primary school children capsized in Ringim Local Government Area in the state.

Police say one body has so far been recovered, while search and rescue teams continue efforts to recover the remaining victims.

Local divers, emergency officials and volunteers are taking part in the operation.

Muhammad Bala Sanusi, the Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, said a major search-and-rescue operation is underway, and that more information will be released as the operation continues.

The victims were reportedly returning home after school when the canoe overturned.

Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause of the accident, while investigations continue.

For many communities across northern Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, rivers remain the only reliable means of transportation.

But recurring boat accidents continue to expose the dangers of overcrowding, poor safety standards and the absence of life jackets.

Safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of water transport regulations and greater investment in safer river transport to prevent similar tragedies.