Security & Safety
Four Dead, Five Missing In Jigawa Canoe Mishap Involving Young Girls
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State has confirmed the death of four persons and the disappearance of five others following a tragic canoe mishap in Taura Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday at Zangon Maje village, involved a canoe carrying 17 passengers—mostly young girls between the ages of 10 and 13—travelling from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje in Taura LGA.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani, seven passengers were rescued alive, while four bodies have been recovered. Five others remain missing as of Tuesday.
“Out of the 17 passengers onboard, 16 were females, which highlights the devastating impact of this incident on young lives,” Tijjani lamented.
He noted that rescue operations, led by the NSCDC in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers, are ongoing to locate the missing victims. The exact cause of the mishap is yet to be determined, and an investigation is currently underway.
Tijjani also quoted the NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. Bala Bawa, who expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and the communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje. The commandant praised the swift response of security personnel and volunteers involved in the rescue effort and assured the public of continued efforts to enhance safety across waterways in the state.