16 feared dead in Jigawa canoe mishap

 

No fewer than 16 persons, including minors, have lost their lives in a tragic canoe accident in Adiyani village, Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Reports from the area indicated that the canoe, which was conveying more than 40 passengers, capsized while they were crossing the Adiyani River on their way home after concluding their activities in the village.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Lawal Shi’isu Adam, said the accident occurred at about midnight on Saturday.

According to him, 24 bodies have so far been recovered, while 10 persons were rescued alive. He added that several others remain unaccounted for.

“The incident happened at midnight on Saturday as a result of water leaking into the canoe. Immediately, it was reported, security personnel mobilised a rescue team, including local fishermen, and were able to rescue 10 victims alive, while 24 deaths have been confirmed so far,” SP Adam said.

Findings revealed that the victims were indigenes of neighbouring communities across the river in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, who had visited the Adiyani market on Saturday.

Search and rescue operations were ongoing at the time of filing this report, as authorities urged residents to exercise caution, particularly during nighttime river crossings.