Four children have tragically died while four others were rescued after the passenger boat they were travelling in capsized at Dudduru Pond, about three kilometres from Kwadige Village in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The deceased, identified as Hasiya Mu’azu, 13; Hauwa Lawan, 13; Fatima Lawan, 12; and Dawsiyya Lawan, 13, drowned after the boat overturned while crossing the pond.
As gathered, the boat was heading from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market when it capsized, with strong winds suspected to have contributed to the accident.
The incident was confirmed on Thursday by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Mahmud.
According to the command, four passengers survived after farmers working near the waterway responded to the emergency.
Residents of Kwadige and Kuna communities also joined the rescue and recovery operation.
The NSCDC said the bodies of the four victims had been recovered and buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting to the incident, the NSCDC State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, sympathised with the bereaved families and the Kwadige community.
Ingawa urged residents who use waterways for transportation to exercise greater caution, particularly during periods of strong winds and other dangerous weather conditions.
He also advised boat operators and passengers to observe basic water-safety measures and avoid travelling when weather or water conditions pose a threat to their lives.
The command urged communities along the state’s waterways to remain vigilant and prioritise safety to prevent similar accidents.