Twenty-three victims have been rescued alive, while eight bodies have been recovered from a boat mishap in Jigawa State involving 40 passengers, as search and rescue operations continue for the remaining nine people still missing.

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday when a local boat conveying 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, capsized while crossing a waterway at Malamawar-Yan Dutse in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, leaving many trapped in the water.

Boat accidents have remained a recurring tragedy in riverine communities across northern Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season.

They are often attributed to overloading, the non-use of life jackets and strong water currents.

The latest development was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Shi’isu Adam, in a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Monday.

“At the moment, we have successfully rescued 23 victims alive. Unfortunately, we have also recovered eight corpses from the river,” Adam stated.

He explained that the incident involved a boat carrying about 40 passengers, which capsized in one of the state’s waterways.

According to him, local divers, emergency responders and security personnel have been on the ground since the incident occurred to rescue survivors and recover bodies.

The police spokesman noted that all the rescued victims had been treated and discharged.

“Those rescued are now safe at their homes, as they have already been discharged to reunite with their families,” he said.

Revealing the identities of the survivors, the police spokesperson listed 23 people who survived the mishap.

“Those rescued alive include Baba Dahiru, 60; Sule Daini Adamu, 45; Auwalu Mutari, 30; Anty Haruna, 17; Shamsiyya Dehuru, 9; Saiyada Adnanu, 15; Murjanatu Yusha’u, 15; Buhari Ubale, 40; Fahat Magaji, 25; and Amira Yusha’u, 10,” Adam said.

He gave the names of the remaining survivors as Nuriiya Yusuf, 11; Afiya A. Amadu, 60; Binta A. Sani, 13; Shamsi Baba Mal, 30; Yusuf Isiya, 35; Firdausi Sahalu, 7; Ajinjira Ashirin Ado, 13; Sawaida Safiyani, 9; Zainab Umar, 12; Ismail Umaru, 10; Hassana Zurkai, 7; Walaiya Yasa’a, 8; and Zainab Ashiru, 14.

“The victims comprise men, women and children. We are glad that 23 lives were saved, and they are now safely in their homes,” the police spokesman added.

The PPRO also disclosed that nine persons remain unaccounted for and that the search operation will continue on Tuesday morning.

“We are not relenting. Our teams are combing the river and adjoining communities to ensure we find the remaining nine missing persons,” the PPRO said.

He appealed to residents living in riverine communities to assist security agencies with useful information that could aid the rescue efforts.

“Once again, we urge boat operators to avoid overloading and ensure passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey,” SP Adam advised.

The police command assured the public that it would continue to provide updates as more details emerge from the ongoing search and rescue operation.