Jul 20, 2026

Tragic Jigawa Boat Capsize: NEMA Leads Desperate Search for Missing as Death Toll Rises

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Jigawa State, July 20, 2026 - In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the riverside community of Malamawa Yandutse in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, a wooden boat overloaded with passengers capsized on Sunday, July 20, 2026, plunging families into grief and prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

According to the latest Situation Update No. 2 from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Kano Operations Office, released at 4:00 p.m. on the same day, the boat was carrying 37 passengers — predominantly women and children.

Preliminary findings indicate **28 females and nine males**, including young ones returning from what locals described as routine crossings.

As of the latest reports, 23 individuals have been rescued alive, while five females were confirmed dead. Search teams continue efforts to locate the remaining nine missing persons (eight females and one male).

Additional survivors reportedly escaped unassisted, bringing the confirmed survivor count to 23.

NEMA, in close collaboration with the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), Jigawa State Fire Service, local divers, community volunteers, and other stakeholders, is coordinating the intensive operation.

Teams are working tirelessly along the riverbanks and in the murky waters to account for everyone.

Images from the scene show NEMA personnel in distinctive orange and neon vests, alongside police officers and local officials, gathered at the river’s edge amid a crowd of anxious residents, some capturing the moment on their phones while others offer support or join the search.

This latest mishap highlights the persistent dangers of water transportation in Jigawa State and across Nigeria’s riverine areas, where canoes and small boats serve as vital but often unregulated links between communities.

Recent weeks have seen multiple similar incidents in the state, with human error, overloading, and environmental factors like flooding from dam spillways frequently cited as contributing causes.

NEMA has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations until all missing persons are accounted for and has pledged further updates as information emerges.

Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar and the agency continue to emphasize community resilience and adherence to safety protocols in disaster-prone regions.

Local leaders, including Governor Umar Namadi, have been actively involved, offering condolences and assurances of government support to affected families. Funeral prayers have been held for some victims as communities mourn.

As search efforts continue into the night and beyond, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulation of water transport, including passenger limits, life jackets, and better training for operators.

NEMA and state agencies are expected to intensify sensitization campaigns in vulnerable areas.

Our thoughts remain with the families devastated by this loss. In moments like these, Nigeria’s emergency responders stand as beacons of hope amid sorrow.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.