Six dead, seven missing in Jigawa boat tragedy

At least six people have died and seven others are missing after a boat carrying mostly school-aged girls capsized in Jigawa State.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the boat accident in Zangon Maje, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The wooden boat was transporting 17 passengers mainly girls aged between 10 and 13 from Digawa in Jahun Local Government to Zangon Maje when it capsized midway across the river.

Officials say six bodies have so far been recovered, two survivors rescued, while search efforts continue for the remaining seven.

Sixteen of the passengers were girls, raising fresh concerns over the safety of informal transport on inland waterways, especially for young people.

The NSCDC says it has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Local divers, community volunteers and rescue teams are still combing the area.

The Jigawa NSCDC Commandant, Bala Bawa Bodinga, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and commended the quick response of local rescue teams.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to improve safety across water routes in the state.

The public is being urged to avoid overloaded or unsafe boats, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise.