‘We Thought We Would Die’ — Jigawa Canoe Accident Survivors Recount Harrowing Ordeal

Survivors of the canoe accident in Malamawar Yandutse, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, have recounted their terrifying experiences, saying they believed they would die after their overloaded canoe capsized in the middle of a river.

The victims praised local fishermen and farmers who rushed to the scene and rescued many of the passengers, saying their swift intervention prevented a greater loss of lives.

According to reports on Thursday, 17-year-old Anti Haruna said she lost consciousness during the incident and survived only because community members quickly responded.

“We believed we were going to die. People from the community quickly came with their canoes and started rescuing victims one after another,” she said.

“Some even dived into the river to save children and elderly people. Without them, the number of deaths would have been much higher.”

Another survivor, Fatsima, who is still receiving treatment, said the accident occurred suddenly as they were returning home from rice farms.

She explained that her hijab became trapped in the overturned canoe, pulling her beneath the water.

“When the canoe capsized, everyone was trying to save themselves. My hijab got caught and dragged me under the water,” she recalled.

“I struggled to free myself but couldn’t. I swallowed a lot of water, lost my breath and eventually passed out. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital.”

Although she survived, Fatsima said the emotional trauma remains overwhelming.

Another survivor, Sawaida, also described slipping beneath the water before losing consciousness.

“I felt myself sinking beneath the water. I thought I was going to die. Everything became dark, and I only came to when I found myself at Ringim General Hospital,” she said.

She added that the memories of people crying for help continue to haunt her daily.

The survivors blamed the tragedy on the poor condition of the canoe and alleged that it carried far more passengers than its safe capacity.

They appealed to the Jigawa State and Federal Governments to construct a bridge across the river, arguing that it would provide a safer means of transportation and prevent similar accidents during the rainy season.

The accident has claimed at least 10 lives, while 23 passengers have been rescued. Search and rescue operations are continuing as emergency responders and community volunteers work to locate those still missing.

The Jigawa State Police Command had earlier disclosed that the canoe was conveying more than 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers, when it capsized on Sunday. Police later confirmed that rescue operations had saved 23 people while several bodies had been recovered.