Four die as boat carrying eight 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.

This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, on September 24, 2026.

The incident occurred at about 4pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at a location about three kilometres from Kwadige Village.

The NSCDC Jigawa State Command said the boat was travelling from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when it overturned while crossing the pond.

Preliminary findings suggest that strong winds may have caused the accident.

“Sadly, four passengers, all females, lost their lives in the incident, while the remaining four passengers were successfully rescued,” the statement said.

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.

The NSCDC said the four survivors were rescued by farmers working near the pond when the boat capsized.

It said the rescue and recovery efforts were further supported by residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages, who worked together to assist those affected by the incident.

The NSCDC Jigawa State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Kwadige over the loss.

Ingawa also urged people who depend on boats for transportation to take extra care when travelling on waterways, particularly during strong winds or bad weather.

The Corps advised boat operators and passengers to follow basic water-safety rules and avoid making journeys when weather conditions could put their lives at risk.