A yet-to-be-identified boat operator has reportedly fled following the death of six children who died after the boat capsized in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
It was gathered that six out of the 15 children who were on board the boat were rescued from the river.
Two other children are still missing.
The incident was said to have happened at about 8:15 pm on Sunday.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Dahiru Muhammad, said the children were returning from a farm at Jejin Gunka to their village, Zangwan Maje.
Those rescued have been identified as Rukayya Abdullahi, 9; Ibrahim Garba, 12; Fatima Yusuf, 10; Suwaiba Yahaya, 20; Rukayya Saleh, 18; Jawahira Samaila, 10; and Sakina Sule, 11.
According to the police, the deceased victims are Hare Abdullahi, 12; Halima Ma’azu, 12; Nasiba Yahya, 15; Saima Yusuf, 25; Amina Sule, 11; and Saiya Abdullahi, 18.
Muhammad further warned residents against undermining safety measures when travelling through the water bodies.
Also warning against night travels, Muhammad emphasised the importance of wearing life jackets.
