Jigawa canoe mishap: I thought we were all dead – Survivor recounts near-death experience

Survivors of the tragic canoe accident at Malamawar Yandutse in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State have recounted their harrowing experiences, describing how local fishermen and farmers risked their lives to rescue them from the river.

The accident occurred when a canoe ferrying about 40 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized while they were returning from rice farms.

Survivors said the canoe had reached the middle of the river when it suddenly became unstable and overturned, throwing everyone into the water. Many passengers, unable to swim, cried out for help as they struggled to stay afloat.

Seventeen-year-old survivor, Anti Haruna, who was rescued unconscious, said fishermen and farmers responded immediately after hearing their cries for help.

“We thought we were all going to die. The villagers arrived quickly with their canoes and began pulling people out of the water one after another. Some even jumped into the river to rescue children and the elderly. Without their courage, many more people would have died.”

One of the oldest survivors, Fatsima, who is still confined to her sickbed, narrated the terrifying moments she endured during the accident.

“We were returning home from the rice farms when the canoe suddenly capsized. Everyone was struggling to save themselves. My hijab became trapped in part of the canoe and pulled me underwater. I tried everything to free myself, but I couldn’t. I swallowed a lot of water, could not breathe, and eventually lost consciousness. The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital.”

She said surviving the accident has not ended her suffering, as the trauma will remain with her for the rest of her life.

“I was in severe pain when I regained consciousness. I cannot stop thinking about those who never made it out of the water. The memories of that day continue to haunt me, and recovering emotionally has been very difficult.”

Another survivor, Sawaida of Malamawar Yandutse, also recalled losing consciousness during the tragedy.

“I felt myself being dragged beneath the water. I saw death. Everything went dark, and I could not see anything. I only regained consciousness at Ringim General Hospital.”

She said the emotional scars remain fresh.

“Even though I survived, I still live with fear. The cries of people calling for help keep coming back to me. It is something I will never forget.”

The survivors blamed the accident on the poor condition of the canoe and its alleged overloading.

They called on the Jigawa and the federal governments to construct a bridge across the river, saying it would provide a safer means of transportation and prevent the recurring loss of lives during the rainy season.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that 23 passengers were rescued alive, while 10 bodies were recovered following the incident.

Search and rescue operations have continued as emergency responders and community volunteers work to locate those still missing.