Four girls tragically drown as boat capsizes in Jigawa

Four people have died after a boat carrying eight passengers capsized at Dudduru Pond in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement to journalists in Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday. The incident took place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Tijjani said, "The incident occurred at about 4 PM at Dudduru Pond, about three kilometres from Kwadige Village in Dutse Local Government Area."

The boat was taking eight passengers from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when it capsized while crossing the pond. Tijjani mentioned, "Preliminary information indicates that strong winds may have caused the incident."

Four passengers, all girls, lost their lives in the accident, while four others were rescued. The deceased were identified as Hasiya Mu’azu, 13; Hauwa Lawan, 13; Fatima Lawan, 12; and Dawsiyya Lawan, 13.

Tijjani said, "The four deceased victims were buried according to Islamic rites."

The PRO stated that the farmers working near the pond rescued the four survivors at the time of the accident. According to him, residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages helped with the rescue and recovery efforts.

Tijjani noted, "Residents of Kwadige and Kuna Villages worked together to assist those affected by the incident."

The State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and the Kwadige community. Tijjani said, "The Commandant commiserates with the families over the tragic loss of their loved ones."

He urged people who use boats for transportation to be very careful on the water. "He advised boat operators and passengers to follow basic safety measures and avoid traveling in dangerous conditions," Tijjani added.

Additionally, the Jigawa NSCDC spokesperson said the Corps warned against traveling during strong winds and bad weather to protect lives. He mentioned that the command has been working to educate communities on safety measures for using waterways.