The death toll from Sunday’s boat accident in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State has risen to six, while 34 farmers and labourers remain missing as rescue teams intensify search operations.
The tragic incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Malamawar Yan Dutse community when a boat conveying about 40 passengers capsized while crossing a river.
Confirming the development on Monday, the spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, said six bodies had so far been recovered from the river.
He disclosed that a joint rescue operation involving the police, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency and local volunteer divers was ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
According to him, rescue efforts will continue until every passenger aboard the ill-fated boat is accounted for.
“Our personnel, emergency responders and experienced local divers are working tirelessly to search for the missing victims,” the police spokesman said.
One of the volunteer divers, Jibril Sani, said rescue operations commenced immediately after the boat overturned on Sunday evening but were temporarily suspended after nightfall due to poor visibility.
“We started the search immediately after the incident occurred before the Maghrib prayer on Sunday and stopped when it became dark. We resumed the operation early this morning,” he said.
Another diver, Yakubu Danfulani, said community volunteers were collaborating with emergency officials to recover victims believed to be trapped beneath the water.
He assured that the search would continue until every victim was found, dead or alive.
The tragedy has thrown the riverine community into mourning, with anxious families waiting for news about their loved ones.
A resident, Musbahu Bashir, described the incident as devastating, saying community members spent the night in fear and uncertainty over the fate of the missing passengers.
“We spent the whole night sleepless, praying and hoping the missing persons would be found,” he said.
Another resident, identified as Malam Wawu, urged both the Jigawa State and Federal Governments to address the transportation challenges facing riverine communities.
He called for the provision of life jackets, safer ferry services, and the construction of bridges and access roads to reduce dependence on unsafe water transportation.
Residents also expressed fears that without urgent government intervention, communities separated by the river could become increasingly isolated from their farms, schools and markets.
Authorities have appealed for calm, assuring residents that rescue operations are ongoing and that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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