Four teenage girls have died after a boat carrying eight passengers capsized at Dudduru Pond in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday while the passengers were travelling from Kwadige Village to Chai Chai Sabuwa Market.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Dutse on Thursday.

He said preliminary information indicated that strong winds might have caused the boat to capsize while it was crossing the pond, located about three kilometres from Kwadige Village.

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

Tijjani said four other passengers survived after farmers working around the pond rescued them. Residents of Kwadige and Kuna villages also assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts.

The deceased were subsequently buried according to Islamic rites.

The State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, commiserated with the families of the victims and the Kwadige community.

He urged boat operators and passengers to observe basic water safety measures and avoid travelling during strong winds and other dangerous weather conditions.

The command also said it would continue sensitising communities on safety measures for people using waterways.