Jigawa Boat Tragedy Claims Four Young Lives, NSCDC Confirms

A tragic incident unfolded in Jigawa State where a boat carrying eight individuals capsized, leading to the untimely death of four young females. The unfortunate event took place around 4:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Dudduru Pond, an area approximately three kilometres from Kwadige Village within the Dutse Local Government Area.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State officially confirmed the disaster through a statement released on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud. According to the NSCDC's account, the boat was en route from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when it overturned while traversing the pond. Investigations suggest that powerful winds blowing at the time of the accident might have been a contributing factor.

Of the eight passengers aboard, four perished, while the remaining four were successfully rescued. The victims who lost their lives were identified as Hasiya Mu’azu, 13 years old; Hauwa Lawan, also 13; Fatima Lawan, 12; and Dawsiyya Lawan, 13. Their bodies have since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs, as stated by the NSCDC.

Farmers working in the vicinity of Dudduru Pond were instrumental in the rescue of the four survivors. Furthermore, residents from both Kwadige and Kuna communities actively participated in the search, rescue, and recovery operations, offering assistance to those impacted by the devastating loss.

CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, the NSCDC State Commandant, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kwadige community following this profound tragedy. He issued a stern warning to individuals who rely on waterways for transportation, urging them to exercise extreme caution, especially during periods of strong winds and unfavorable weather conditions. The Commandant also advised boat operators and their passengers to strictly adhere to fundamental water-safety protocols and to refrain from undertaking journeys when weather conditions pose a risk to human lives. The NSCDC concluded by emphasizing the critical importance of safety for all communities and individuals utilizing the state's waterways to avert future similar incidents.