Four girls drown in Jigawa boat mishap

Four girls have died in a boat accident in Dudduru, about three kilometres from Kwadige village in the Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The accident occurred on Wednesday, when a local vessel carrying eight passengers from Kwadige Village to the Chai Chai Sabuwa market overturned while crossing the pond.

The spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa command, Badruddeen Mahmud, attributed the accident to severe weather conditions.

“Preliminary information indicates that the incident may have been caused by strong winds at the time of the occurrence,” he said in a statement.

While four passengers were rescued, four young females lost their lives in the tragic mishap.

The Corps identified the deceased as Hasiya Mu’azu, 13, Hauwa Lawan, 13, Fatima Lawan, 12, and Dawsiyya Lawan, 13.

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According to the NSCDC, the four survivors were rescued by farmers working near the pond.

“Residents from Kwadige and neighbouring Kuna Villages also joined forces to support the rescue and recovery efforts.

The deceased victims have since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

Reacting to the incident, the NSCDC Jigawa State Commandant, Muhammad Ingawa, advised people, particularly in communities reliant on water transport, to avoid travelling on waterways during adverse weather conditions and strong winds.

“He further urged boat operators and commuters to strictly adhere to essential safety protocols to prevent future occurrences”, Mr Mahmud stated.