A tragic boat accident in Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 15 villagers who were attempting to escape from bandit attacks. The incident occurred at a river crossing in Nasarawar Kifi, Birnin Tudu ward of Gummi Local Government Area on Friday, August 29.
Eyewitnesses reported that the ill-fated boat, which was only meant to carry 16 passengers, became overloaded during its third trip when more people forced their way on board. The vessel capsized, plunging its passengers—mostly women and children—into the river. Three others remain missing as local divers continue search efforts.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed that among the dead were eight women, three infants, and four youths. Residents described the tragedy as deeply painful, especially as the victims were fleeing violence in their communities.
A local resident, Malam Bashiru, expressed frustration over the absence of proper transport facilities, blaming years of neglect for recurring boat mishaps in the area. He called on government authorities to urgently provide safer alternatives for river crossings.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has assured that it is working with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to confirm casualty figures and support the affected families with relief assistance.
