Search and rescue operations are underway after a boat carrying more than 30 people reportedly capsized at Malamawar Yan Dutse community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The Director of Planning, Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the incident to journalists in Dutse.

He said the accident occurred on Sunday, July 19, 2026 while the passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, were travelling by boat.

The official said the cause of the accident had yet to be established, adding that emergency responders and local residents were combing the area in search of survivors.

"Hands are on deck as combined efforts continue to determine the exact number of those rescued or missing," he said.

He added that authorities had yet to confirm the number of casualties as rescue operations continued at the scene.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ringim Local Government Emergency Management Committee, Malam Habibu Dauda, urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information pending an official update from relevant authorities.