Four Die as Boat Carrying Eight Passengers Capsizes in Jigawa

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

The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, according to the Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Thursday.

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

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

According to the NSCDC spokesperson, preliminary information indicated that strong winds may have caused the boat to capsize.

He said four passengers, all females, died in the incident, while the other four were rescued.

The deceased were identified as 13-year-old Hasiya Mu’azu, 13-year-old Hauwa Lawan, 12-year-old Fatima Lawan and 13-year-old Dawsiyya Lawan.

Tijjani said the remains of the four victims were subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.

The four survivors were rescued by farmers working around the pond at the time of the incident, with residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages also supporting the rescue and recovery efforts.

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

The State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire Kwadige community over the loss.

The command also urged residents who depend on boats for transportation to exercise caution when travelling on waterways.

Tijjani said the commandant advised boat operators and passengers to observe basic water safety measures and avoid travelling during dangerous weather conditions.

The NSCDC further warned against using waterways during strong winds and other adverse weather conditions, adding that the command had continued to sensitise communities on safety measures when navigating waterways.