By Praise Afolabi
At least 13 people have died and more than 20 others remain missing after a boat carrying villagers fleeing a bandit attack capsized in Zamfara State.
The incident happened on Friday in Gummi Local Government Area when armed men invaded communities, forcing residents to flee across a river. In their rush to escape, dozens crowded onto a wooden boat that became overloaded and sank midway.
Eyewitnesses said some passengers managed to swim to safety, but many others drowned. Local divers and volunteers later recovered 13 bodies. Search efforts are ongoing for over 20 people still unaccounted for.
A community elder said women and children were among the victims. “The boat was carrying more people than it could hold. Panic made the situation worse,” he explained.
Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Mannir Haidara, confirmed the tragedy, describing it as “a painful loss.” He said state officials were working with security agencies and local volunteers to continue the rescue mission and support affected families.
Northwestern Nigeria has faced persistent banditry in recent years, with armed groups carrying out mass kidnappings, raids, and extortion in rural areas. Villagers often flee by foot or boat, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and further attacks.
Residents of the affected communities urged the federal and state governments to step up military operations, saying the relentless violence has left them living in constant fear.
As of Saturday, rescue teams were still combing the river in hopes of finding survivors, while mourning families gathered by the banks awaiting news of their missing loved ones.
