The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Jigawa Command has confirmed the death of four persons, while five others are missing following a canoe mishap in Jigawa.
The incident occurred in Taura Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ACSC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Dutse, on Tuesday.
Tijjani said seven other persons survived the incident that occurred at Zangon Maje village at about 5p.m. on Sunday.
He explained that the incident occurred when the canoe conveying 17 passengers, mostly young girls between 10 and 13 years, from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje village in Taura LGA, capsized mid-way through the journey.
“Preliminary reports confirmed that out of the 17 passengers onboard, seven were rescued alive, four dead bodies have been recovered, while five persons remain missing as of the time of this release.
“Out of the 17 passengers, 16 were females. This highlights the devastating impact of this incident on young lives,” he lamented.
The PRO added that rescue efforts, led by the NSCDC in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers, were still being intensified to recover the missing victims.
According to him, the cause of the mishap is yet to be ascertained, while investigation was still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Tijjani reassured the public that the command was taking all necessary measures to avert future reoccurrences and ensure safety across the state’s waterways.
He quoted the NSCDC Commander in the state, Mr Bala Bawa, expressing deep sympathy to the affected families and the communities of Digawa and Zangon Maje.
The commander also commended the swift response of all personnel and volunteers involved in the rescue operation, adding that further updates would be communicated as investigation and recovery efforts progress.