A boat mishap in Gummi Local Council of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 15 villagers, while three others remain missing.

The incident occurred on Friday when residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi and neighbouring villages in Birnin Tudu ward attempted to cross the river with a single canoe while fleeing from advancing bandits.

An eyewitness, Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi, told The Guardian that panic spread when news broke that the bandits were approaching the riverbank. He explained that the canoe, already filled to capacity, capsized after two women forced their way on board during 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,” Yan Kifi said.

He added that villagers cross the river daily for farming and trade, often risking their lives due to the absence of safe transport and life jackets. “Rescue efforts recovered 12 bodies on Friday, while three more were found. Search operations are still ongoing for the remaining three missing persons. Victims included eight housewives, three babies, and four youths. They were buried on 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 traumatised 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, 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 efforts, and commiserate with affected families and the Gummi emirate.