The Jigawa State Government has confirmed the recovery of six bodies following a boat accident in Malamawar Yan Dutse community, Ringim Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Auwalu Sankara, disclosed the development during a visit to the affected community.
According to the commissioner, the accident occurred at about 1pm on Sunday when a canoe carrying between 30 and 40 passengers capsized while crossing the river.
Sankara attributed the incident to overloading, noting that the number of passengers on board exceeded the canoe’s carrying capacity.
He said search and rescue efforts were still ongoing to locate the remaining 34 passengers reported missing after the accident.
The commissioner added that the bodies recovered so far would be buried according to Islamic burial traditions.
Authorities and rescue teams are continuing operations as efforts intensify to account for all passengers involved in the tragedy.
