2 Dead, 18 rescued after Boat capsizes in Jigawa

Two people are dead and 18 others were rescued after a boat capsized on the Kwalgai River in Jigawa State on Sunday evening.

A statement released by police spokesperson DSP Lawan Shiisu on Monday confirmed the details of the incident.

The police received reports of the incident around 10:00 pm on Sunday.

A group of approximately 20 people, both men and women, were traveling from Kwalgai village to Hadin village, both within Auyo Local Government Area (LGA), when the canoe capsized.

Divers, fishermen, and local residents were called upon to assist with the rescue operation alongside a police team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Auyo Division.

Eighteen passengers were successfully rescued, but two females went missing.

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The body of one of the missing women, identified as 18-year-old Habiba Ado of Kwalgai village, was recovered on Monday morning. She was pronounced dead at Auyo Hospital.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the boat capsized due to a combination of strong waves and overloading, causing the driver to lose control. Search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing person.

All rescued passengers were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.