Survivors of the canoe accident in Malamawar Yandutse, Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, have narrated their terrifying experiences, saying they believed they would not survive after their overloaded boat overturned in the middle of the river.

The victims also praised local fishermen and farmers who rushed to the scene and rescued many passengers, saying their bravery prevented a higher death toll, according to DailyPost on Thursday.

One of the survivors, 17-year-old Anti Haruna, said she lost consciousness during the incident and only survived because of the swift response of local residents.

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

“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, simply identified as Fatsima, who is still