Four teenage girls tragically drowned in a pond in Malkaderi village, Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Saturday.
The victims, identified as Saina’u Musa (12), Fiddausi Ado (11), Habiba Musa (12), and Bahijja Musa (13), were among five friends who had gone swimming in the pond.
An eight-year-old girl, Sahura Audu, was also part of the group but was rescued by local divers. She was taken to the hospital and later discharged after receiving treatment.
The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, said, “Upon receiving the distress call, our team initiated a rescue operation. Sadly, four of the girls were already dead when they were recovered from the pond.”
The bodies were taken to Gagarawa Primary Health Care Centre, where medical personnel confirmed the deaths. DSP Adam expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the importance of caution, especially during the rainy season.
The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, CP AT Abdullahi, also extended his condolences. “This is a deeply saddening event. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this devastating tragedy,” Abdullahi said. He further warned the public about the dangers of swimming in ponds and streams during the rainy season due to the elevated water levels.
He urged parents and guardians to be more attentive to their children’s activities, saying, “We strongly advise families to keep a close watch on their children, especially near water bodies, as the rains have significantly increased water volumes across the state.”