15-year-old boy drowns in Jigawa pond, prompting concerns over water-filled areas during rainy season

In a tragic incident, a 15-year-old boy, Isah Muhammad, drowned in a pond popularly known as Sterling Pond along Disina Road in Dutse, Jigawa State, last Tuesday. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the dangers posed by water-filled ponds during the rainy season.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident to PUNCH correspondent on Wednesday in Dutse. Tijjani said that the unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at about 4:30pm, when the command received a distress call concerning the drowning of the teenager.

According to Tijjani, the victim, who was a resident of Bokoto Quarters in Dutse, was reported to have drowned in the pond popularly called Sterling Pond along Disina Road. He explained that immediately after receiving the distress call, personnel of the NSCDC stationed at the Takur Site Division mobilised to the scene to respond to the emergency.

Tijjani stated that the operatives evacuated the victim from the pond and rushed him to the General Hospital, Dutse, for medical attention. However, a medical doctor at the hospital examined the victim and confirmed that he had died before or upon arrival at the facility.

Following the confirmation of his death, Tijjani said the remains of the deceased were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

A resident of the area, Abdullahi Sani, described the drowning as worrisome, saying incidents involving water-filled ponds tend to become more concerning during the rainy season. Sani explained that the increased volume of water in the pond during the rainy season could make it more dangerous, particularly for children and young people who may venture close to the area.

Another resident, Musa Nalayi, expressed concern over the incident, saying it should serve as a warning to residents, especially parents and young people, about the dangers associated with approaching deep ponds during the rainy season. Nalayi said that the recurring danger associated with water bodies during the rainy period required greater public awareness and caution, adding that residents should take necessary steps to prevent children from going near dangerous water-filled areas.

The Jigawa State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased over what he described as an irreparable loss. Ingawa, through the command, prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

In a related development, the Jigawa State Government has been urged to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Residents of the area have called on the government to provide appropriate signs and warnings around water-filled areas to prevent accidents.