Report by Abdulrazak Kaura; Editing by Basirat Memudu
A tragic boat mishap has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, with three others still missing, after residents of several villages in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State attempted to flee from a bandit attack on Friday.
The incident occurred when villagers from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi and other neighboring village in Birnin Tudu ward tried to cross the river with a single canoe while escaping marauding gunmen.
An eyewitness, Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi, who spoke to Radio Nigeria, explained that panic set in when news spread that the bandits were advancing toward the riverbank.
According to him, the overcrowded canoe, already filled to capacity, capsized after two women forced their way onto the third trip out of fear of being left behind.
“Only one canoe serves the entire community, with a capacity of just 16 passengers. But in desperation, more people climbed on board. The boat overturned, and many drowned,” Gago said.
He lamented that villagers are forced to cross the river daily for farming and trade, often risking their lives due to lack of safe transport.
Rescue efforts recovered 12 bodies on Friday, while three more were found today as search operations are still ongoing for the remaining three missing persons.
Victims included eight housewives, three babies, and four youths. They were buried Friday night after funeral prayers led by Liman Yahaya.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed the tragedy, describing it as a devastating blow to already traumatized communities.
“We were observing Friday prayers when we heard about the accident. Our people worked tirelessly to rescue survivors, but sadly, many lives were lost,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the mishap as tragic and regrettable.
He said Governor Dauda Lawal had directed the Ministry of Humanitarian affairs and the Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to provide relief materials, support rescue operations, and commiserate with the affected families and the Gummi emirate.
Radio Nigeria observed that villagers using canoe to cross Rivers in Zamfara state lack safety jackets.
