Four women, including three minors aged 12 and 13, drowned after a boat carrying eight people overturned at Dudduru Pond in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM. The victims were traveling from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when the incident occurred. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Jigawa Command reported that strong winds may have contributed to the capsizing, according to Public Relations Officer Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, who disclosed the details in a statement on Thursday. Four female passengers lost their lives, while the remaining four were rescued by nearby farmers. The deceased were identified as Hasiya Mu’azu (13), Hauwa Lawan (13), Fatima Lawan (12), and Dawsiyya Lawan (13).
Residents of Kwadige and Kuna communities assisted in rescue and recovery efforts following the accident, which took place about three kilometers from Kwadige Village. The bodies of the victims were later buried according to Islamic rites. NSCDC Jigawa State Commandant Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the Kwadige community, emphasizing the need for heightened caution when using waterways. He urged boat operators and passengers to adhere to safety protocols, particularly during periods of strong winds or adverse weather, and to avoid travel under risky conditions. The NSCDC also called for broader community awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about waterway safety in Jigawa State, where informal transportation across ponds and rivers is common. Local authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to basic safety measures, including proper vessel maintenance and weather monitoring. The NSCDC’s statement highlighted the vulnerability of communities reliant on water routes for daily commutes, underscoring the need for systemic interventions to mitigate such risks. Meanwhile, the tragedy has left the Kwadige community in mourning, with residents expressing grief over the loss of the young lives.
Community leaders and emergency responders praised the swift actions of farmers who rescued the survivors, while calling for improved infrastructure to reduce reliance on potentially hazardous water crossings. The NSCDC’s appeal for vigilance comes amid ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across Jigawa’s waterways, as officials seek to balance accessibility with risk management. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those navigating natural water bodies without adequate safeguards.