The police command in Jigawa on Sunday confirmed the death of two persons in a capsized canoe in the Ringim local government area.

Police spokesman Lawan Shiisu confirmed the incident in a statement.

The canoe carrying 13 passengers on their way for a condolence visit capsized after hitting an object.

“Today, at about 12:40 p.m., information at our disposal revealed that a particular canoe with 13 occupants who were on transit from Dabi village toward Siyangu village, all in Ringim LGA, reportedly capsized. The occupants were on their way to pay a condolence visit,” the statement said.

It disclosed that a team of policemen launched a search and rescue mission at the scene with the assistance of local divers in the area.

The search-and-rescue operation led to the recovery of seven persons on the spot. They were taken to General Hospital, Ringim, according to the police.

Two of the seven rescued, Bara’atu Garba, 30, and Mahmud Surajo, 3, were confirmed dead, and their remains were released to their families for burial.

The police added that the remaining five persons were receiving treatment at the hospital, while six others were still missing.

(NAN)