Panic turned to tragedy in Zamfara State on Friday when a canoe overloaded with fleeing villagers capsized in Gummi Local Government Area, killing at least 15 people, while three others are still unaccounted for.
Residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi, and nearby communities had rushed to escape advancing bandits by crossing a river in the only canoe available. Eyewitnesses said the vessel, meant for 16 passengers, was overcrowded as desperate villagers scrambled to board.
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“The canoe was already full, but two more women jumped in, afraid they would be left behind. That was when it overturned,” recalled Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi.
Local volunteers recovered 12 bodies on Friday and three more the next day. The victims, including eight women, three infants, and four youths, were buried in a mass grave after funeral prayers. Search efforts are still ongoing for the missing.
“This is a double tragedy for us—bandits attacked our homes, and in trying to escape, we lost even more lives,” said Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, village head of Nasarawar Kifi.
Confirming the incident, Zamfara State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa, condoled with the affected families and said the government is taking urgent steps to support the communities.
