Survivors Describe Harrowing Canoe Accident in Jigawa State
In a recent canoe accident in Maramawar Yandutse, located within the Lingim Local Government Area of Jigawa State, survivors recounted their terrifying experiences. Many believed they would not escape after their overloaded boat overturned in the middle of the river. The tragedy has prompted calls for improved safety measures to prevent future incidents.
Local Heroes Prevent Higher Casualty Toll
Victims expressed their gratitude to local fishermen and farmers who quickly responded to the crisis and managed to rescue a significant number of passengers. Their prompt actions were pivotal in preventing an even higher death toll. Reports from Thursday’s Daily Post highlight the bravery of these community members during a chaotic situation.
Teen Survivor Shares Vivid Details of the Incident
Seventeen-year-old Antti Haruna, one of the survivors, lost consciousness amid the chaos. She credits the swift actions of nearby residents for her survival. “We thought we were going to die,” she recounted, detailing how locals rushed to the scene in canoes to assist those in distress. Haruna noted that some individuals even jumped into the river to save children and the elderly, emphasizing that their efforts were crucial for the survival of many.
Trauma and Struggles Beyond the Water
Another survivor, referred to as Fatshima, remains under medical care after the unexpected incident. She was returning from the rice fields when the canoe capsized. Unfortunately, her hijab became entangled, trapping her underwater. “I struggled to free myself but couldn’t,” Fatshima recalled. Although she eventually regained consciousness in a hospital, the emotional scars linger, making her recovery particularly challenging.
Enduring Nightmares
Another victim, Sawaida, described the harrowing moment she slipped into the water, sinking and losing consciousness. “I felt myself sinking… everything went dark,” she said, only to awaken later at Lingim General Hospital. Despite her survival, the trauma of that day continues to haunt her. “I can still hear people screaming for help. That memory stays with me every day and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” Sawaida shared.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
Survivors attributed the tragedy partly to the poor condition of the canoe, which was carrying more passengers than it could safely accommodate. They are now urging both the Jigawa State and federal government to construct a bridge over the river. Such infrastructure, they argue, would greatly enhance safety for residents and help avert similar tragedies, especially during the rainy season.
Search and Rescue Efforts Ongoing
The accident claimed at least ten lives, with emergency personnel and local volunteers still conducting search efforts for the missing individuals. Official reports indicate that a boat exceeding a capacity of 40, primarily made up of women farmers and workers, capsized in the region. While authorities have recovered one body, 39 passengers remain unaccounted for. On Monday, police successfully rescued 23 individuals and retrieved eight bodies, but the community remains in mourning as they seek closure from this devastating event.
