At least six bodies have been recovered, while 34 people remain missing, after a wooden boat capsized in Nigeria's northern state of Jigawa, local authorities said on Monday.

A major search-and-rescue operation is underway in the Malamawar Yan Dutse community of Ringim Local Government Area following the incident, which occurred on Sunday evening.

Lawan Shi'isu, a spokesman for the Jigawa State Police Command, said local divers and other volunteers recovered six bodies during a joint rescue operation on Monday. The victims were identified as local farmers and laborers returning home.

Muhammad Bello Sanusi, a senior official with the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency, said a preliminary investigation indicated that the overloaded boat, carrying about 40 people, including women and children, suddenly capsized.

Boat accidents are common in Nigeria and are often attributed to overloading, adverse weather conditions, and operational errors.