- The canoe was said to be on its way to Hadin village in the same municipal when it capsized.
At least two persons have lost their lives after a boat capsized in Jigawa state, north-west Nigeria.
Eighteen people were also rescued after surviving the mishap, authorities said.
The incident happened at Kwalgai village in Auyo Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.
The canoe was said to be on its way to Hadin village in the same municipal when it capsized.
The Police in the state confirmed the incident in a statement by their Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu, on Monday in Dutse.
Shiisu disclosed that the command received the report about the incident at about 10 p:m.
Shiisu added that about 20 passengers were on board the boat when the incident occurred.
“On Sunday at about 2200hrs, the command received an incident report by the Divisional Police Officer of Auyo Division, that a group of marketers from Kwalgwai village in Auyo LGA numbering about 20, both males and females boarded a canoe.
“The canoe was said to have capsized while traveling across the Kwalgai River toward Hadin village within the same LGA,” the PPRO said.
According to him, in an attempt to save the victims, divers, fishermen, and good Samaritans were swiftly notified, while a police team led by the DPO raced to the scene.
Shisu disclosed that the team was able to rescue 18 passengers alive, while two others, all females, went missing.
“Subsequently, today at about 6 a:m., the body of one of the missing female passengers identified as Habiba Ado of Kwalgai village was recovered.
“The victim, aged 18, was quickly conveyed to Auyo hospital, but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor on duty,” he said.
The PPRO said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was primarily caused by powerful waves and overloading to the extent where the driver was unable to steer the canoe.
According to him, efforts were being intensified to recover the missing victim.Shiisu added that all the rescued victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention