At least 40 women and children are feared dead after a canoe capsized in Malamawa community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday while the victims were crossing a waterway in the community.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Jigawa State Police Command said the canoe was carrying mostly women and children when it overturned.
“Canoe capsizing in Ringim LGA: At least 40 women and children drowned. One body has so far been recovered,” the command said.
Police spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam, said rescue operations were ongoing, with security personnel, emergency responders and local volunteers searching for the remaining victims.
“The rescue operation is ongoing, and security personnel, alongside emergency responders and volunteers, are working tirelessly to search for those still missing,” he said.
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Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident as efforts continue to recover the victims.