By George Omagbemi Sylvester
At least six people have been confirmed dead, while 15 others were rescued after a canoe carrying about 40 passengers capsized in Malamawa village, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The tragic incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with several passengers still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.
The Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, confirmed the incident on Monday, July 20, 2026, stating that emergency responders from the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local divers and volunteers were immediately deployed to the scene. He said six bodies had been recovered, 15 survivors rescued, and search efforts intensified to locate those still missing.
Authorities have pledged to continue the rescue mission until every passenger is accounted for.
Although the exact cause of the accident is yet to be officially determined, preliminary reports suggest the canoe was carrying a large number of passengers when it overturned. Investigations are ongoing.
The tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal boat accidents recorded across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, when many riverine communities depend on waterways for transportation.
Safety experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of passenger limits, compulsory use of life jackets and improved regulation of inland water transport to prevent recurring disasters.
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