Survivors of the Jigawa canoe accident in Malamawar Yandutse, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, recounted the frightening moments they spent trapped in an overturned canoe, saying they feared they would not survive the incident.
The victims said the overloaded boat suddenly capsised while carrying more than 40 passengers, mostly female farmers and labourers returning from rice fields, leaving many struggling for survival in the river.
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Several survivors praised local fishermen, farmers and residents who responded quickly after the accident, saying their courage helped save many lives and prevented the tragedy from becoming worse.
Seventeen-year-old Anti Haruna, one of the survivors, said she lost consciousness during the incident but was rescued because community members immediately rushed to help.
“We believed we were going to die. People from the community quickly came with their canoes and started rescuing victims one after another,” Haruna 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 remains under medical care, described how she became trapped underwater after her hijab got caught when the canoe overturned.
“When the canoe capsized, everyone was trying to save themselves. My hijab got caught and dragged me under the water,” she said.
“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.”
Fatsima said surviving the accident has not erased the emotional pain caused by the loss of other passengers.
“When I regained consciousness, I was in severe pain. I keep thinking about those who lost their lives. The memories of that day continue to haunt me, and it has been very difficult to recover emotionally,” she added.
Another survivor, Sawaida, recalled the terrifying moment she sank beneath the water before being rescued.
“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.
The survivors blamed the tragedy on the condition of the canoe and alleged that the vessel was carrying more passengers than it could safely accommodate.
They appealed to the Jigawa State Government and the Federal Government to construct a bridge across the river, saying a permanent crossing would provide safer access for residents and reduce the risk of future disasters, particularly during the rainy season.
The Jigawa canoe accident has so far claimed at least 10 lives, while 23 passengers have been rescued. Search operations remain ongoing as emergency teams and community volunteers continue efforts to locate those still missing.
The Jigawa State Police Command had earlier confirmed that the boat, which was carrying more than 40 people, overturned on Sunday.
Initial rescue efforts recovered one body, while subsequent operations led to the rescue of 23 passengers and recovery of additional bodies.
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The tragedy has renewed calls for improved water transport safety measures, including better regulation of passenger limits, safer boats and alternative infrastructure for communities that depend on river crossings.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
