A father has spoken days after his three daughters drowned when the boat carrying them capsized in Tiga Dam, throwing the Yalwan Rugu-Rugu community in Tudunwada Local Government Area of Kano State into mourning on Saturday, August 29.
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.
Father Recounts the Tragic Journey
Their father, Malam Abdulhadi Suleiman, 55, told Daily Trust that his daughters had completed the day’s work and were returning home when tragedy 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 told the publication.
According to him, the journey was proceeding normally 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.
Rescue Efforts Failed Despite Community Mobilisation
He said people around the area made desperate efforts to save the girls. Neighbours reportedly rushed to the scene with boats, but the boats brought to assist also capsized.
“People brought three boats in an attempt to rescue them, but unfortunately, the rescue efforts failed,” he said.
A messenger was eventually sent to Yalwan Rugu-Rugu to alert residents about the incident and seek help. The news spread quickly, and about 200 people reportedly mobilised to the scene to rescue the girls. But by the time they were brought out of the water, it was too late.
The accident occurred at about 1pm on Saturday, while the bodies were recovered around 3:30pm, according to the girls’ father.
Father's Grief and Hopes for His Daughters
Malam Abdulhadi said he never imagined he would experience such a tragedy. He said the death of his three daughters had left him devastated and the entire community in shock.
“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.
The father said he had hoped to see his daughters continue their education and eventually attend tertiary institutions.
“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.
Malam Abdulhadi added: “I have submitted everything to Almighty Allah; I pray that He forgives them and grants them Jannatul Firdaus.”
The girls have since been buried according to Islamic rites.
