A tragic boat accident in Jigawa State has left at least six people dead, while seven schoolgirls remain missing. Local authorities said the incident occurred when a boat carrying villagers, including students, capsized on the Burum Gana River during a routine crossing.
Witnesses reported that the boat was overloaded and hit by strong currents, causing it to overturn suddenly. Rescue teams, including local divers and emergency services, have so far recovered six bodies, while the search for the missing girls continues.
State officials confirmed that most of the passengers were schoolchildren returning home from classes. The police and emergency management agency are coordinating ongoing search-and-rescue operations, and rescue workers are using canoes and fishing boats to comb the river.
Authorities have warned residents to avoid overcrowding boats and promised to investigate the cause of the accident. The state government expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that relief support will be provided.
