At least nine people have been confirmed dead while eight others were rescued following a boat mishap in Zangon Maje village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The tragic incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, according to a statement by the National Emergency Management Agency via its Kano Operations Office.
The ill-fated boat, which was carrying 17 passengers, mostly young girls, capsized en route from Digawa village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje.
NEMA disclosed the details of the incident in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
“Upon arrival at the scene, our team confirmed that eight individuals were rescued by local divers while nine others were found dead,” the agency stated.
In a coordinated response, NEMA worked alongside the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, the National Inland Waterways Authority, and officials from the local government to manage the aftermath and raise awareness on water safety.
The statement added, “We have commenced sensitisation in the affected community to educate residents on the dangers of unsafe water travel and the importance of using life jackets and following safety protocols.”
As part of the effort to improve safety and reduce future casualties, NIWA donated life jackets to members of the community.
Water transportation mishaps remain a recurring issue in many riverine areas across Nigeria, often due to overloading, poor regulation, and lack of safety equipment.
Authorities are urging residents to prioritize safety, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise and currents become stronger.
