A canoe mishap in Jigawa State has claimed the lives of six children, with two others still missing, after a vessel carrying 15 passengers capsized on Sunday evening in Taura Local Government Area.
The incident occurred at about 8:15 p.m. as the children were returning from a farm in Jejin Gunka to their village, Zangwan Maje.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, the canoe was overloaded and capsized due to flooding and strong winds.
“Fifteen children were on board. Seven were rescued with the help of police officers and local divers,” Adam said.
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.
According to the statement, the bodies of the six victims have been recovered and confirmed dead by medical personnel.
They are identified as Hare Abdullahi, 12; Halima Ma’azu, 12; Nasiba Yahya, 15; Saima Yusuf, 25; Amina Sule, 11; and Saiya Abdullahi, 18.
Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the two missing children, the police spokesperson said, adding that efforts are being intensified with the help of local divers.
SP Adam further disclosed that the operator of the canoe fled the scene following the incident. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the canoe driver is on the run.
The police are making efforts to arrest and prosecute him,” he said.
The tragic event has sparked renewed concern about the safety of rural water transport, especially for children.
Community leaders, parents, and safety advocates have called on the government to enforce safety standards, invest in reliable transport infrastructure, and ensure proper regulation of waterways in the state.