No fewer than 15 persons have lost their lives in a boat mishap in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, while three others remain missing, following an attempt by villagers to escape from bandits.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday when residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi and other neighbouring communities in Birnin Tudu ward rushed to cross a river after receiving reports that armed men were advancing towards their settlements.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that panic set in during the escape, causing an already overloaded canoe to capsize.
The canoe, which ordinarily could carry 16 passengers, was forced to take on additional occupants when some women insisted on joining the trip out of fear of being left behind.
Local sources confirmed that 12 bodies were recovered immediately, while three more were later found, bringing the total fatalities to 15.
Among the victims were eight women, three infants, and four youths. Funeral prayers were conducted the same day under the leadership of community cleric, Liman Yahaya.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, described the accident as “a painful loss to already vulnerable communities,” noting that residents had struggled through rescue operations but could not save many.
In a reaction, the spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the Governor received the news with deep sorrow and had directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to provide relief support, intensify rescue efforts, and condole with families of the victims as well as the Gummi Emirate.
