The Zamfara State government has commiserated with the people of Gummi Local Council, especially families in Damaga, Tagunya, and Nasarawa Kifi communities, over the death of 15 persons in a boat mishap on Friday.

In a statement issued in Gusau by the press secretary to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Nasiru Shehu Aula Dabbakal, the government described the incident as a painful tragedy that has left the entire state in mourning.

The SSG, Abubakar Nakwada, expressed solidarity with the affected communities, stressing that the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal remains committed to safeguarding lives and ensuring the well-being of citizens.

He disclosed that Lawal has directed the immediate dispatch of assistance to the bereaved families. “While no assistance can replace the loss of lives, it is the government’s hope that the gesture will bring some measure of relief to the bereaved,” he added.

The tragedy occurred when villagers fleeing from bandit attacks in several Gummi communities boarded a boat that capsized due to overloading. Fifteen lives were lost, while three persons remained missing at the time of filing this report.