Jigawa Canoe Tragedy: Survivors Recount Horror, Demand Bridge As Death Toll Rises

Zainab Abioye

Survivors of the deadly canoe mishap in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State have recounted the terrifying moments they struggled for survival after an overloaded boat carrying about 40 passengers, mostly women and children, capsized while returning from rice farms.

The victims, who escaped death by a whisker, narrated how local fishermen and farmers risked their lives to rescue drowning passengers, even as they appealed to the Federal and Jigawa State governments to construct a bridge across the river to prevent recurring tragedies.

The canoe reportedly capsized at Malamawar Yandutse community after becoming unstable in the middle of the river, throwing all passengers into the water.

According to an earlier report, at least 10 persons have been confirmed dead, while 23 others were rescued alive. Search-and-rescue operations are still ongoing to locate passengers believed to be missing.

One of the survivors, 17-year-old Anti Haruna, who was rescued unconscious, said panic erupted immediately after the canoe overturned as many of the passengers could not swim.

She said nearby fishermen and farmers rushed to the scene after hearing desperate cries for help.

“We thought we were all going to die. The canoe suddenly overturned and everyone fell into the river,” she recalled.

“The villagers responded quickly with their canoes. Some of them even jumped into the river to rescue children and elderly people. Without their courage, many more lives would have been lost.”

Another survivor, Fatsima, who is still receiving treatment after the incident, described the experience as the most traumatic moment of her life.

She explained that they were returning from their rice farms when the canoe suddenly capsized, leaving passengers struggling to stay afloat.

“My hijab got trapped on the canoe and dragged me underwater,” she said.

“I swallowed a lot of water while trying to free myself. I could no longer breathe and eventually lost consciousness. The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital.”

Fatsima said although she survived, the emotional scars of the tragedy remain overwhelming.

“I cannot stop thinking about those who died. The memories of that day continue to haunt me. Surviving has not ended my suffering because the trauma will stay with me for a long time,” she lamented.

Another victim, identified simply as Sawaida, said she briefly believed she would never return alive.

“I felt myself being pulled beneath the water. I lost consciousness and only woke up at Ringim General Hospital,” she said.

“Even now, I still hear the cries of people calling for help. The memories have left me living in fear.”

The survivors blamed the tragedy on the poor condition of the canoe and alleged overloading, urging the authorities to take urgent steps to improve transportation infrastructure in the riverine community.

They specifically appealed to the Federal and Jigawa State governments to construct a bridge across the river, saying residents are forced to rely on unsafe boats during the rainy season.