One Dead, 39 Missing After Boat Carrying Farmers Capsizes in Jigawa

One person has been confirmed dead while 39 others remain missing after a boat carrying farmers capsized in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

According to the Jigawa State Police Command, the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community. The boat was transporting more than 40 passengers, most of them female farmers and labourers, when it overturned.

Police spokesperson SP Shi'isu Adam said officers and emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene after receiving reports of the accident. One body has been recovered, while search-and-rescue operations are continuing for the remaining missing passengers.

The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that the victims were travelling to their farms when the boat capsized. Officials said the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and assessments are still ongoing.

The Chairman of the Ringim Local Government Emergency Management Committee, Habibu Dauda, said local divers and community volunteers have joined emergency teams in the search effort. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information until authorities provide official updates.

Boat accidents are common in parts of northern Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, and are often linked to overloading, the absence of life jackets, and strong water currents. Authorities say rescue operations will continue until all those involved are accounted for.

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