Four girls died after a canoe capsized in Dutse, while another accident in Ringim claimed 10 lives as authorities move to curb deadly waterway incidents.

The Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has ordered canoe operators and passengers across the state to strictly observe safety measures following two separate canoe accidents that claimed 14 lives.

SEMA Executive Secretary, Hannafi Yakubu, issued the warning while reacting to the recent incidents, urging canoe operators to avoid travelling during strong winds and other hazardous weather conditions.

Four girls were reportedly killed when a canoe carrying eight people capsized at Dudduru Lake near Kwadige village in Dutse Local Government Area of the state.

In a separate incident, 10 people reportedly lost their lives after a canoe accident in Malamawar Yandutse village, Ringim Local Government Area.

Preliminary findings by SEMA attributed the accidents to factors including overloading and the use of old and unsafe boats.

Yakubu warned canoe operators against practices that could endanger passengers, stressing the need for strict compliance with safety regulations on the state's waterways.

The state Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Danladi Sankara, expressed concern over the rising number of canoe accidents and said the government was taking steps to prevent further loss of lives.

Sankara said plans were underway to provide canoe operators with newer boats and life jackets to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

SEMA also commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the incidents.

The agency urged both canoe operators and passengers to make safety a priority, particularly by avoiding waterways during strong winds, storms and other adverse weather conditions.