Murjanatu, Atikatu and Bilkisu, three sisters from Yalwan Rugu-Rugu village in Tudunwada Local Government Area of Kano State, died on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after a boat carrying them capsized at Tiga Dam.

The tragic incident occurred at about 2pm, leaving the community mourning the loss of the three sisters, one of whom was popularly known as Amira.

Also read: BREAKING: Boat carrying farmers capsizes, 40 feared dead

Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Soja Maijama’a, Chairman of Tudunwada Local Government Area and Chairman of the Kano State Local Government Chairmen’s Association, confirmed the deaths in a statement.

Maijama’a expressed condolences to the victims’ family and residents of the community, while praying for strength for those affected by the tragedy.

She also prayed to Allah to forgive the deceased and grant their family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Kano boat capsizing has drawn attention to the risks faced by residents who rely on waterways around Tiga Dam, particularly in communities where boats can serve as an important means of movement.

However, details surrounding what caused the boat to overturn remain unclear.

The Kano State Fire Service said it had not received a formal report of the incident from the local government authorities or members of the affected community.

Saminu Abdullahi, spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service, said the agency only became aware of the tragedy after seeing the local government chairman’s announcement on social media.

According to Abdullahi, the Fire Service would issue an official statement and take appropriate action once it received formal notification about the incident.

The differing accounts underline the need for authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine whether any safety concerns contributed to the capsizing.

For the family of Murjanatu, Atikatu and Bilkisu, however, the immediate reality is a devastating loss involving three sisters from the same community.

The tragedy adds to a series of boat mishaps reported in different parts of Nigeria, where inadequate waterway safety measures, overcrowding and other hazards have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of inland water transport.

Also read: BREAKING: Boat carrying farmers capsizes, 40 feared dead

As the Tudunwada community mourns, further official details are expected to clarify the circumstances of the incident and any response by emergency authorities.