A total of sixteen persons have been rescued from a boat that capsized on a river within Zangon Maje Village axis in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, North-West Nigeria.
Shuaibu Hambali, Chairman of the LGA, who confirmed the incident, said that the incident occurred Monday evening when the victims, mostly farmers were traveling in the boat on their way back from their farms in the village.
Hambali stated that seven of the travellers were successfully rescued in a rescue operation mounted by a team of local divers in the area shortly after the incident.
He disclosed that the rescued the team, in the course of the operation recovered one lifeless body during the search conducted at the next village called ‘Yalleman’ in Kaugama LGA
According to Shuaibu, the remaining nine people were yet to be found as at time of filing this report, noting that the identities of the victims are yet to be released, but the incident has since thrown the community into a state of mourning.
The chairman noted that the Local Council would soon distribute life jackets to passengers.
He also warned river users to observe safety guidelines and avoid overcrowded boats, especially in the evening during the rainy season when water levels rise unpredictably.
Hambali, who said that he arrived at the scene immediately the incident occurred, sympathised with the families of the affected victims.
Meanwhile, some of the residents of the village, have called for urgent Government intervention and an improved water transport safety measure.
