Four teenage girls have drowned after a boat carrying eight passengers capsized at Dudduru Pond in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, while the passengers were travelling from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market.
The Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Dutse on Thursday.
Tijjani said the boat overturned at about 4pm while crossing the pond, approximately three kilometres from Kwadige Village.
“The incident occurred at about 1600 hours at Dudduru Pond, approximately three kilometres from Kwadige Village in Dutse Local Government Area,” he said.
He explained that preliminary findings suggested that strong winds may have contributed to the accident.
“Preliminary information indicates that the incident may have been caused by strong winds at the time of the occurrence,” the NSCDC spokesman stated.
According to him, four of the passengers, all female, died in the accident, while four others survived.
The deceased were identified 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,” Tijjani said.
He added that farmers working around the pond rescued the four survivors, with residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages also joining the rescue and recovery efforts.
“Residents of Kwadige and Kuna Villages worked together to assist those affected by the incident,” he said.
The NSCDC State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Kwadige community over the loss.
“The Commandant commiserates with the families over the tragic loss of their loved ones,” Tijjani quoted him as saying.
The command also urged residents who use boats for transportation to take necessary precautions, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
“He advised boat operators and passengers to strictly adhere to basic water safety measures and avoid travelling under dangerous conditions,” the spokesman added.
The command said it would continue to sensitise communities on safe practices while navigating waterways.
