A tragic canoe accident has claimed the lives of six people, with two others still missing, in Zangwan Maje village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Jigawa State Police Command, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 27, 2025, when a canoe carrying 15 children capsized while ferrying them from Jejin Gunka farm back to their village. The boat reportedly overturned due to a combination of flooding, strong winds, and overloading.
Police confirmed that seven children were rescued alive, while six bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday morning. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining two missing children.
Those rescued include Rukayya Abdullahi (9), Ibrahim Garba (12), Fatima Yusuf (10), Suwaiba Yahaya (20), Rukayya Saleh (18), Jawahira Samaila (10), and Sakina Sule (11).
The six victims who drowned and were confirmed dead by a medical officer are: Hare Abdullahi (12), Halima Ma’azu (12), Nasiba Yahya (15), Saima Yusuf (25), Amina Sule (11), and Saiya Abdullahi (18).
Spokesperson for the police, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, revealed that the canoe operator fled the scene following the accident.
“Efforts are underway to locate, apprehend, and prosecute him to serve as a deterrent to others,” he stated.
Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Zangwan Maje community.
“We are heartbroken by this tragic loss. I urge residents in riverine areas to avoid night travel, never overload canoes, and always use life jackets,” CP Muhammad advised.
Locals described the tragedy as devastating. Mallam Garba Maje, a community elder, told reporters:
“We are in mourning. These were our daughters and sons. We never imagined such a tragedy would strike our small village.”
Local divers, police personnel, and volunteers are continuing search operations as the village mourns the lives lost and prays for the safe return of the two still missing.
