The Jigawa State Government is set to strengthen safety measures on the state’s waterways following two recent canoe accidents that claimed 14 lives.
The government’s response followed the latest incident at Dudduru Lake near Kwadige village in Dutse Local Government Area, where a canoe carrying eight people capsized, killing all the occupants, including four girls.
The tragedy came shortly after another canoe accident at Malamawar Yandutse village in Ringim Local Government Area, where 10 people reportedly lost their lives.
Reacting to the incidents, the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, said it would intensify monitoring and safety measures for canoe operators and passengers across the state.
SEMA Executive Secretary, Hannafi Yakubu, said the agency was particularly concerned about practices that increase the risk of accidents, including the use of old boats and overloading.
He warned canoe operators against violating safety regulations, stressing that measures must be followed to prevent further loss of lives and property.
“We will not tolerate this. We will ensure that all boat users strictly observe safety measures to prevent loss of lives and property,” Yakubu said.
The state government also announced plans to support canoe operators with safer equipment. The Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Danladi Sankara, said authorities were working towards providing canoe owners with safer boats and life jackets.
The planned intervention is expected to benefit residents who rely on waterways for transportation, particularly those travelling through areas where road access may be limited.
SEMA also urged residents to exercise caution when using waterways, advising them to suspend journeys whenever weather conditions become dangerous.
The agency specifically warned against travelling during periods of strong winds and other unfavourable weather conditions that could increase the likelihood of canoe accidents.
With two major incidents recorded within a short period, authorities are now under pressure to improve waterway safety and ensure that canoe operators comply with basic safety requirements before transporting passengers.
SEMA extended its condolences to the families of those who died, while urging both operators and passengers to make safety a priority when using the state’s waterways.
