No fewer than 23 persons have been rescued and eight bodies recovered from Sunday’s boat accident that claimed 40 passengers in Jigawa State.
The incident occurred at Malamawar-Yan Dutse in Ringim Local Government Area, when a wooden boat conveying about 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, capsized while crossing a waterway.
Boat accidents have remained a recurring tragedy in riverine communities across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season, often attributed to overloading, failure to use life jackets and strong water currents.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the latest casualty figure on Monday.
Adam said search and rescue operations continued for the remaining nine passengers.
“At the moment, we have successfully rescued 23 victims alive. Unfortunately, we have also recovered eight corpses from the river,” he said.
The PPRO explained that local divers, emergency responders and security personnel had been at the scene since the incident occurred to rescue survivors and recover bodies.
He added that all the rescued victims received medical attention and were subsequently discharged.
“Those rescued are now safe at their homes as they were discharged to reunite with their families,” he said.
Adam further stated that the search for the remaining nine passengers would continue on Tuesday.
“We are not relenting. Our teams are combing the river and adjoining communities to ensure we find the remaining nine persons,” he said.
The police spokesperson appealed to residents of riverine communities to assist security agencies with useful information that could aid the rescue operation.
He also urged boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure that all passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey.
