The death toll from the tragic canoe accident in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State has increased after four more bodies, including those of a prospective bride and groom, were recovered by rescue teams.
The accident occurred at Malamawar Yandutse village when a canoe carrying about 40 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized while crossing a river.
The village head of Malamawar Yandutse, Umar Habibu, said two bodies were recovered on Monday evening, while another two were found on Tuesday morning during continued search operations.
The recovered victims were identified as Nazifi Magaji, 25, from Yandutse Village, Khadija Malam Sagiru, 18, Sadiya Adamu, 14, and Safiya Daihu, 14, all from Malamawar Yandutse.
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According to Habibu, rescue teams continued the search after six victims were buried on Monday, leading to the recovery of the additional bodies. He added that two of the victims were buried on Monday evening, while the remaining two were laid to rest on Tuesday morning near the river due to the condition of the bodies.
Residents disclosed that Khadija Malam Sagiru was preparing for her wedding scheduled for this Saturday, while Nazifi Magaji was expected to get married next month.
The Director of Planning at the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Muhammad Bala Sanusi, confirmed the recovery of the four bodies.
The canoe was reportedly carrying about 40 passengers when it capsized. Twenty-three people were rescued during the initial operation, while several others were declared missing.
The recovered victims were buried in line with Islamic rites in the presence of their families, security personnel and government officials as search efforts continued.
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