DUTSE, NIGERIA — Four teenage girls have died after a boat carrying eight passengers capsized at Dudduru Pond in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, in a tragedy that has thrown the community into mourning.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when the girls, along with four other passengers, were returning from a nearby village where they had gone to fetch firewood. According to eyewitnesses, the overloaded canoe capsized midway across the pond, throwing all eight occupants into the water.
Local divers and volunteers rushed to the scene and were able to rescue four of the passengers alive. However, four of the girls were recovered unconscious and rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed them dead. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State Command, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident. He said the police had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the boat, adding that preliminary findings suggested that the canoe was overloaded.
“We received a report of a boat mishap at Dudduru Pond in Dutse LGA. Our officers rushed to the scene and assisted in the rescue operation. Unfortunately, four teenage girls lost their lives. We have deposited their bodies at the mortuary and launched an investigation into the incident. We appeal to members of the public to always ensure that boats are not overloaded and that safety measures are observed,” Adam stated.
The Chairman of Dutse Local Government Area, Hon. Musa Ibrahim, expressed shock and sadness over the incident. He described the death of the girls as a “tragic and painful loss” and prayed for the repose of their souls. He also urged residents of the area to be cautious when using canoes and other small boats, especially during the rainy season when water levels are high.
“This is a devastating incident. We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young girls. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. We urge our people to always take safety precautions when using canoes and boats. Life is precious, and we must protect it,” Ibrahim said.
The families of the deceased have been thrown into mourning, with many expressing disbelief at the tragedy. A relative of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the girls had left home in the morning in high spirits and had no idea they would not return alive.
“We are devastated. These were young girls with bright futures. We don’t know how to cope with this loss. We pray that God gives us the strength to bear this tragedy,” the relative said.
The Jigawa State Government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and has promised to support them in their time of grief. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Umar, said the government would provide relief to the affected families and would also review the safety measures in place for water transportation in the state.
“We commiserate with the families of these young girls. We share in their pain and grief. The government will do everything possible to support them and to prevent a recurrence of this tragedy,” Umar said.
Boat accidents are common in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in riverine communities where canoes are the primary means of transportation. Overloading, poor maintenance, and the absence of safety equipment are often cited as the causes of such accidents. Authorities have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and for the provision of life jackets and other safety equipment in boats. For the community in Dudduru, however, the tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that come with life on the water.
