The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, has confirmed the death of four persons and the disappearance of five others following a tragic canoe accident in Zangon Maje village, Taura Local Government Area.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani, disclosed the incident in a statement issued to journalists in Dutse on Tuesday.
According to Tijjani, the mishap occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, when a canoe carrying 17 passengers, mostly young girls aged between 10 and 13, capsized while en route from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje in Taura LGA.
“Preliminary reports confirmed that out of the 17 passengers onboard, seven were rescued alive, four dead bodies have been recovered, while five persons remain missing as of the time of this release,” Tijjani stated.
He added that 16 of the 17 passengers were female, underscoring the tragic toll on young lives.
Search and rescue operations led by the NSCDC, in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers, are ongoing to recover the remaining missing persons.
Tijjani noted that the cause of the incident is yet to be determined, but an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the capsizing.
He reassured the public of the Corps’ commitment to enhancing safety across Jigawa’s waterways and preventing future occurrences.
The state NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Bala Bawa, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje.
“We deeply sympathize with the families affected by this tragic event,” the commandant was quoted as saying.
“We also commend the swift response of our personnel, local divers, and volunteers involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation and recovery operations continue.
