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

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