One person has been confirmed dead while 39 others remain missing after a wooden boat carrying farmers and agricultural labourers capsized in the Malamawar Yan Dutse area of Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The incident occurred on Sunday evening as the passengers were travelling across a river to their farmlands, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
The Jigawa State Police Command said officers, local divers and emergency responders were deployed to the scene after receiving a distress report. One body has so far been recovered, while efforts continue to locate the remaining passengers, many of whom were reportedly women travelling for farming activities. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to account for everyone on board.
Authorities said the cause of the accident is yet to be established, with investigations underway. The latest tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of water transportation in rural communities across northern Nigeria, where boats remain a major means of transportation despite recurring accidents.
