Tragedy struck in Jigawa as eight girls drowned when a canoe carrying 15 youngsters capsized while crossing the Zangwan Maje river in Taura Local Government Area,
It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 8:15 p.m. on Saturday when the children were travelling from Zangwan Maje to Jijin Gunka amid strong winds and overflowing river currents.
“Fifteen children were on board the canoe when it capsized. Seven were rescued alive, while the bodies of the eight others, all females, were later recovered and handed over to their families,” said some sources.
The sources told Zagazola that the incident was likely caused by overflooding of the river and violent windstorms that overwhelmed the local canoe.
Local divers and community members responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the rescue of the survivors and recovery of the bodies.
The authorities advised residents to avoid crossing swollen rivers, especially during the rainy season, and to prioritise the use of life jackets and safer alternatives.
