One person has been confirmed dead while 39 others remain missing after a boat carrying more than 40 passengers capsized in Malamawar Yan Dutse community, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The Jigawa State Police Command said the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when a local boat transporting passengers, mostly female farmers and farm labourers, overturned during its journey.

The accident has caused grief and anxiety among residents of the riverine community, with families awaiting updates on the fate of their relatives. Boat mishaps remain a recurring challenge in parts of northern Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, with incidents often linked to overloading, failure to use life jackets, and strong water currents.

Confirming the tragedy, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Command, SP Shi'isu Adam, said officers and relevant emergency agencies were deployed to the scene immediately after receiving reports of the accident, adding that one body had been recovered while rescue teams continued efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers.

— GUARDIAN