The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Jigawa State Command, has said  four persons died and five missing in a canoe accident in the state. 

The incident occurred in the Taura Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s public relations officer (PPRO), Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement in Dutse on Tuesday.

Mr Tijjani said seven other persons survived the incident which occurred at Zangon Maje village at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

He stated that the incident occurred when the canoe conveying 17 passengers, mostly young girls between 10 and 13 years old, from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje village in Taura LGA, capsized midway through the journey.

He said, “Preliminary reports confirmed that out of the 17 passengers onboard, seven were rescued alive, four dead bodies recovered, while five persons remain missing as of the time of this release.

“Out of the 17 passengers, 16 were females; this highlights the devastating impact of this incident on young lives.”

The PRO added that rescue efforts, led by the NSCDC in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers, were still being intensified to recover the missing victims.

He noted that the cause of the accidents had yet to be ascertained, stating that  investigation was still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mr Tijjani reassured the public that the command was taking all necessary measures to avert future recurrences and ensure safety across the state’s waterways.

He quoted the NSCDC commander in the state, Bala Bawa, as expressing deep sympathy to the affected families and the communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje.

The commander also commended the swift response of personnel and volunteers involved in the rescue operation, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigation and recovery efforts progress. 

(NAN)