A tragic canoe accident has claimed the lives of eight young girls in Jigawa State after their boat capsized while crossing the Zangwan Maje River in Taura Local Government Area.
According to security analyst Zagozola Makama, the incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday as 15 children were traveling from Zangwan Maje to Jijin Gunka. The canoe reportedly overturned due to violent winds and strong river currents fueled by ongoing flooding.
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“Fifteen children were on board the canoe when it capsized. Seven were rescued alive, while the bodies of the eight others all girls, were later recovered and handed over to their families,” sources confirmed.
The tragic event has been attributed to torrential rainstorms and rising water levels that overwhelmed the vessel. Local divers and community volunteers responded promptly, leading to the successful rescue of the survivors and retrieval of the victims’ remains.
Authorities have called on residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers during the rainy season and urged the use of life jackets or alternative, safer modes of transportation.
The state government is yet to release an official statement, but condolences continue to pour in for the grieving families.
