Six Dead, Seven Children Rescued in Tragic Jigawa Boat Accident
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Jigawa State on Sunday evening when a canoe carrying 15 children capsized while returning from a farm in Jejin Gunka to Zangwan Maje in Taura LGA. The accident, caused by flooding, strong winds, and overloading, has so far claimed six lives, with two children still missing.
According to the Police PRO, SP Shi’isu Adam, seven children were rescued by local divers and police, while six bodies have been recovered and confirmed dead by a medical doctor. The canoe operator reportedly fled the scene, and efforts are underway to locate and prosecute him.
This tragedy has sparked outrage and deep concern across Jigawa, with parents, stakeholders, and community leaders calling for improved safety regulations, stronger water transport infrastructure, and greater protection for children in rural areas.
This devastating incident violates child’s right to life, protection from harm, the right to be safeguarded from neglect, safe transportation, and the right to be protected from child labour. Allowing children to return from farm work in an overloaded canoe under hazardous conditions reflects multiple systemic failures.
