A devastating boat accident occurred in Zangon Maje Village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, resulting in the deaths of nine people, mostly young girls. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday. According to NEMA’s Kano Operations Office, the tragic incident happened on Sunday, July 27, 2025, around 7 p.m., when a boat carrying 17 passengers capsized mid-journey while traveling from Digawa Village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje Village.
The boat accident was met with a swift response from NEMA, Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (JSEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and local government officials. Upon arrival at the scene, the NEMA team confirmed that eight individuals were rescued alive by local divers, while nine others were unfortunately confirmed dead. The rescue efforts were commendable, but the incident highlights the need for stricter safety measures in water transportation.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, NEMA, in collaboration with JSEMA, NIWA, and local government officials, sensitized the community on the importance of adhering to safety protocols while traveling by water. NIWA also donated life jackets to the community as part of the response efforts. This incident underscores the recurring concern of boat accidents in several riverine communities across northern Nigeria, often attributed to overloading, poor weather conditions, lack of safety gear, and the use of substandard vessels.
The Jigawa State Government is yet to release an official statement as of press time. However, authorities have called on communities along inland waterways to prioritize safety precautions and cooperate with regulatory agencies to prevent further loss of lives. This incident adds to a pattern of water transport accidents across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety protocols.
In recent days, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in boat accidents, with at least 37 people dead in six days. These incidents highlight the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place to prevent such tragedies. NEMA has reiterated the need for strict adherence to water travel protocols, especially in rural communities where dependence on canoes remains high.
