Kano Father Mourns Three Daughters Who Drowned Boat Accident

The Yalwan Rugu-Rugu community in Tudunwada Local Government Area of Kano State was thrown into mourning on Saturday, August 29, after three sisters drowned when the boat carrying them capsized in Tiga Dam.

The victims, Murjanatu, Atikatu and Bilkisu, popularly known as Amira, had gone to the farm with their brother, Usman Abdulhadi, also known as Abba, to help with the rice harvest.

Their father, Malam Abdulhadi Suleiman, 55, told Daily Trust that the girls had finished their work for the day and were on their way home when disaster struck.

"They went to the farm with their brother to assist him in harvesting rice. They successfully finished the work and boarded a boat to return home," he said.

He said the journey seemed normal until the boat reached the middle of the water.

"Suddenly, the boat capsized. Their brother was the only man inside the boat, and he could not rescue all of them," the father said.

According to him, people nearby rushed to help, bringing boats to attempt a rescue, but the effort was overwhelmed by the accident itself.

"People brought three boats in an attempt to rescue them, but unfortunately, the rescue efforts failed," he said.

A messenger was sent to Yalwan Rugu-Rugu to alert residents, and word spread quickly.

About 200 people reportedly mobilised to the scene to join the search, but by the time the girls were pulled from the water, it was too late.

The accident occurred at about 1pm on Saturday, while the bodies were recovered around 3:30pm, the father said.

Malam Abdulhadi said the tragedy has left him and his entire community in disbelief.

"The village is silent now. Everybody is shocked because we have never witnessed this kind of tragedy in the history of our village," he said.

He said he had hoped to see his daughters continue their education.

"I never expected that they would die at this time. I was expecting them to continue their education and go to higher institutions," he said.

Reflecting on his loss, Malam Abdulhadi said he had found comfort in his faith.

"I have submitted everything to Almighty Allah; I pray that He forgives them and grants them Jannatul Firdaus," he said.

The girls have since been buried according to Islamic rites.