Four teenage girls die as boat capsizes in Jigawa

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

Confirming the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

“The incident occurred at about 1600 hours at Dudduru Pond, approximately three kilometres from Kwadige Village in Dutse Local Government Area,” Tijjani said.

He said the boat was conveying eight passengers from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when it capsized while crossing the pond.

“Preliminary information indicates that the incident may have been caused by strong winds at the time of the occurrence,” the PRO stated.

He said four passengers, all females, lost their lives in the incident, while four others were rescued.

Tijjani identified the deceased victims as Hasiya Mu’azu, 13; Hauwa Lawan, 13; Fatima Lawan, 12; and Dawsiyya Lawan, 13.

“The four deceased victims were subsequently buried according to Islamic rites,” he said.

The PRO stated that four survivors were rescued by farmers working around the pond at the time of the incident.

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According to him, the rescue and recovery efforts were supported by residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages.

“Residents of Kwadige and Kuna Villages worked together to assist those affected by the incident,” Tijjani stated.

He said the State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire Kwadige community.

“The Commandant commiserates with the families over the tragic loss of their loved ones,” the PRO said.

Tijjani said the Commandant urged members of the public who rely on boats for transportation to exercise maximum caution on waterways.

“He advised boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to basic water safety measures and avoid travelling under dangerous conditions,” Tijjani added.

Furthermore, the Jigawa NSCDC spokesperson said the Corps advised against travelling during strong winds and adverse weather to avoid endangering lives.

He stated that the command had continued to sensitise communities on safety measures while navigating waterways.