Grief has engulfed the quiet farming community of Zangwan Maje in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa state following a fatal canoe accident that claimed six lives, with two children still missing.
According to a statement released by the Jigawa State Police Command on Tuesday, the incident occurred on Sunday, July 27, 2025, when a canoe carrying 15 passengers, mostly children and young women, capsized while returning from Jejin Gunka farm to the village. The accident has been attributed to strong winds, flash flooding, and overloading.
As of Tuesday morning, seven individuals were rescued alive, while six bodies had been recovered. Search efforts for the two remaining missing victims are still underway, led by a team of local divers, police officers, and volunteers.
Survivors include: Rukayya Abdullahi (9), Ibrahim Garba (12), Fatima Yusuf (10), Suwaiba Yahaya (20), Rukayya Saleh (18), Jawahira Samaila (10), Sakina Sule (11).
Deceased confirmed by medical officials: Hare Abdullahi (12), Halima Ma’azu (12), Nasiba Yahya (15), Saima Yusuf (25), Amina Sule (11), Saiya Abdullahi (18).
In a disturbing twist, the canoe operator reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident. Police spokesperson SP Shi’isu Lawan Adam confirmed that a manhunt is underway.
“We are working to locate and prosecute the canoe operator to serve as a deterrent to others who ignore safety protocols,” SP Adam said.
Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, expressed sorrow over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire community of Zangwan Maje.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. We urge all residents in riverine areas to prioritise safety—avoid overloading, restrict night travels, and always use life jackets,” CP Muhammad advised.
Locals have described the accident as a devastating blow to the tight-knit village. “We are in mourning. These were our sons and daughters. We never imagined such a loss could hit our small community,” said Mallam Garba Maje, a village elder, his voice heavy with emotion.
The community, now gripped by sorrow, has joined hands with emergency responders in the desperate search for the missing. As rescue efforts continue, questions are being raised over safety practices and regulation enforcement in Nigeria’s riverine transport system—especially during peak farming seasons.
