DUTSE — A gloomy atmosphere has engulfed the Dudduru community in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State following a tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of four female passengers.
The vessel plunged all eight passengers into the deep waters of Dudduru Pond when it suddenly flipped mid-journey. While four passengers managed to survive or were rescued by local divers, four women were unable to make it to safety and drowned before help could arrive.
According to local sources, the passengers were traveling across the pond when the boat suddenly lost balance and flipped over. Eyewitnesses reported that strong currents, overcrowding, or sudden movement aboard may have contributed to the sudden tilting of the craft.
Distress calls quickly mobilized nearby fishermen and local rescuers, who plunged into the water to assist. Despite their prompt response, they were only able to pull four survivors to safety alongside the lifeless bodies of the four victims.
"It happened so fast. We heard shouts for help and rushed over with our canoes, but by the time we reached the spot, four of the female passengers had already gone under," said a local resident who participated in the rescue operation.
The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and handed over to their grieving families for burial in accordance with local Islamic rites. The surviving four passengers received immediate medical attention for shock and water ingestion.
Local authorities and emergency management agencies in Jigawa State have expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families. Security agencies have commenced an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the mishap, including evaluating whether the boat was seaworthy, carried excess weight, or lacked essential safety equipment such as life jackets.
Community leaders have urged local boat operators to exercise extreme caution and strictly enforce basic safety measures to prevent similar fatal incidents on the state's waterways.
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