Boat Capsizes in Jigawa, One Dead, 39 Missing

One person has been confirmed dead, and 39 others remain missing after a boat carrying more than 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, capsized in the Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Sunday.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community, as passengers were travelling to their farmlands.

Police Public Relations Officer for Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing. Local divers, emergency responders and community volunteers have joined the search effort.

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“The rescue operation is ongoing, and security personnel, alongside emergency responders and volunteers, are working tirelessly to search for those still missing,” Adam said.

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Jigawa State map. Credit: Punch.

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The exact cause of the accident has not yet been established. Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency said casualty figures cannot yet be confirmed as operations continue.

Chairman of the Ringim Local Government Emergency Management Committee, Habibu Dauda, urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while awaiting official updates.

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

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.