By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
Tragedy strikes Ringim community as rescuers battle to locate survivors; latest in a series of deadly boat accidents across northern Nigeria
About 30 people are feared to have lost their lives after a canoe carrying farmers capsized on Sunday in Malamawar Yandutse community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The victims, including men, women and children, were reportedly returning home after a day of farming when the overloaded canoe overturned while attempting to cross a river in Yandutse community.
Residents said about 40 passengers were aboard the vessel when the accident occurred, fuelling fears that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
Local volunteers, divers and emergency responders immediately mobilised to the scene in an effort to rescue survivors and recover those still missing beneath the water.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Muhammad Bala Sanusi, said rescue operations were still ongoing, making it impossible to immediately ascertain the exact number of fatalities and survivors.
“Search and rescue efforts are currently ongoing, and the exact number of casualties or survivors has not yet been confirmed,” Sanusi said.
He added that emergency personnel, working alongside community volunteers, were doing everything possible to locate those still unaccounted for.
“All hands are on deck as combined efforts continue to determine the exact number of those rescued or missing. Authorities will provide verified information as soon as rescue operations are concluded,” he added.
The Chairman of the Ringim Local Government Emergency Management Committee, Habibu Dauda, appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information while rescue efforts continued.
He assured that the local government, in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government and relevant emergency agencies, was closely monitoring the situation and would provide updates as soon as verified information became available.
…Recurring tragedy on Nigeria’s waterways
The Daily Crucible reports that the latest disaster adds to the growing list of fatal boat accidents recorded across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season when rising water levels, strong currents, poor safety measures and overcrowded vessels significantly increase the risk of accidents.
In May 2024, more than 20 people reportedly died after a boat carrying passengers capsized in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State, with authorities blaming overloading and adverse river conditions.
In neighbouring Niger State, one of Nigeria’s deadliest recent boat disasters occurred in September 2023 when more than 60 people died after an overloaded wooden boat carrying traders and passengers capsized in Mokwa Local Government Area. The tragedy prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of water transport safety regulations and the compulsory use of life jackets.
Kebbi, Kwara and Kogi states have also recorded multiple fatal boat mishaps in recent years, many involving passengers travelling without life jackets on overloaded wooden canoes.
Despite repeated warnings from emergency agencies and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), many rural communities continue to rely on unsafe water transport due to the lack of bridges, accessible roads and regulated ferry services.
Authorities are expected to release an official casualty figure once the ongoing rescue and recovery operation in Ringim is concluded.
