The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, has confirmed that four teenage girls died after a boat carrying eight passengers capsized at Dudduru Pond in Dutse Local Government Area on Wednesday, September 23.
The incident occurred at about 4pm, approximately three kilometres from Kwadige Village, while the passengers were travelling from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market.
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Jigawa NSCDC spokesman ASC Badruddeen Tijjani confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Thursday.
“Preliminary information indicates that the incident may have been caused by strong winds at the time of the occurrence,” Tijjani said.
The deceased were identified as Hasiya Mu’azu, 13; Hauwa Lawan, 13; Fatima Lawan, 12; and Dawsiyya Lawan, 13.
Four other passengers survived the accident after farmers working around the pond responded to the emergency.
Residents from Kwadige and nearby Kuna villages also joined the rescue and recovery efforts, according to the NSCDC.
Tijjani said the four victims were later buried according to Islamic rites.
The incident has left the Kwadige community mourning the loss of four young lives, while the circumstances surrounding the capsizing have renewed attention on safety for people who depend on waterways for local transportation.
Jigawa State NSCDC Commandant CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the wider Kwadige community.
“The Commandant commiserates with the families over the tragic loss of their loved ones,” Tijjani said.
Ingawa also urged boat operators and passengers to take greater precautions, particularly when weather conditions deteriorate.
The command advised residents to avoid travelling on waterways during strong winds and other dangerous weather conditions.
Tijjani said the NSCDC would continue sensitising communities on basic water safety measures to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
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The boat accident is the latest reminder of the risks faced by communities that rely on small boats to move between villages and local markets, particularly during periods of unstable weather.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
