Six dead, 34 missing as boat capsizes in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that the death toll from a boat mishap in Malamawar Yan Dutse community, Ringim Local Government Area, has risen to six, with 34 persons still missing.

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when a boat carrying about 40 farmers and labourers capsized while crossing a river.

Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that rescue efforts had been intensified.

According to him, a joint search operation involving the police, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, and local divers is ongoing to locate the remaining victims.

“The number of recovered bodies has risen to six, and search operations are still ongoing to account for all passengers,” he said.

At the scene of the incident, local divers said search efforts began immediately after the accident but were paused at nightfall before resuming on Monday morning.

“We started the search before Maghrib prayer on Sunday and had to stop when it got dark. We resumed again this morning,” said one of the divers, Jibril Sani.

Another diver, Yakubu Danfulani, said teams were working tirelessly alongside emergency responders to locate those still missing.

Residents of the community described the atmosphere as one of deep grief and anxiety.

“We spent the whole night sleepless, worried about how the missing persons will be found,” said a resident, Musbahu Bashir.

Community members have called on both the state and federal governments to improve safety measures, including the provision of life jackets, deployment of safer ferry services, and construction of roads and bridges to reduce reliance on river transport.

Meanwhile, many residents living across the river say the incident has triggered fear and disrupted daily life, with some now reluctant to travel by water.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as rescue operations continue, assuring that efforts will persist until all passengers are accounted for.