A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Dudduru Pond in the Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A boat carrying eight passengers capsized while crossing the pond, resulting in the deaths of four teenage girls. The boat was traveling from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market. According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the incident occurred at approximately 1600 hours.
The Jigawa State Command of the NSCDC confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary information suggests strong winds may have caused the boat to capsize. The Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, released a statement in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. 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 buried according to Islamic rites. The NSCDC reported that four survivors were rescued by farmers working around the pond at the time of the incident. Residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts. The State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire Kwadige community.
The NSCDC advised boat operators and passengers to exercise maximum caution on waterways and strictly adhere to basic water safety measures. The Commandant urged people to avoid traveling under dangerous conditions, such as during strong winds and adverse weather. The Corps has continued to sensitize communities on safety measures while navigating waterways.
The incident highlights the importance of water safety measures in Nigeria. According to the NSCDC, the boat was carrying eight passengers, all of whom were from Kwadige Village. The victims were traveling to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when the incident occurred. The NSCDC is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Jigawa State government has not released an official statement on the incident. However, the NSCDC has assured the public that it will continue to work with communities to promote water safety. The Corps has also urged boat operators to ensure that their boats are seaworthy and that passengers wear life jackets.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of water transportation in Nigeria. The NSCDC has called for increased vigilance and caution among boat operators and passengers. The Corps will continue to monitor waterways and provide support to communities affected by such incidents.
Key points
- Four teenage girls died when a boat capsized at Dudduru Pond in Jigawa State, Nigeria.
- The incident may have been caused by strong winds at the time of the occurrence.
- The NSCDC has advised boat operators and passengers to exercise maximum caution on waterways.
