Six Dead, Seven Missing in Jigawa Boat Tragedy Involving School-Aged Girls

Tragedy struck in Jigawa State as a wooden boat carrying mostly school-aged girls capsized, leaving six people confirmed dead and seven others still missing.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident, which occurred in Zangon Maje, Taura Local Government Area of the state.

According to officials, the boat was transporting 17 passengers—16 of them girls aged between 10 and 13—from Digawa in Jahun Local Government Area to Zangon Maje when it capsized midway across the river.

So far, six bodies have been recovered and two survivors rescued. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining seven missing passengers.

The accident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of informal transport systems, particularly on inland waterways and among vulnerable groups such as children.

Authorities have urged community members to exercise caution and avoid overcrowded or unlicensed water transport vessels, especially during the rainy season when water levels are high and unpredictable.

The state government is yet to issue an official statement, but local emergency response teams remain at the scene to assist with recovery efforts and provide support to affected families.

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