15 Feared Dead, 3 Missing in Zamfara Boat Tragedy

At least 15 people have lost their lives, while three others remain missing, following a boat mishap in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday.

The tragedy occurred as residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi, and other neighboring villages in Birnin Tudu ward attempted to escape a bandit attack by crossing the river in a single canoe.

An eyewitness, Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi, told Radio Nigeria that panic broke out when villagers heard that armed bandits were advancing toward the riverbank. He explained that the canoe, already overloaded, capsized after two women forced themselves aboard during the third trip out of fear of being left behind.

Rescue operations recovered 12 bodies on Friday, with three more discovered today. Among the victims were eight housewives, three infants, and four youths. Efforts are still ongoing to find the remaining three missing persons.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the mishap as both tragic and regrettable. He said the governor had directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to provide relief materials, support rescue efforts, and console the affected families as well as the Gummi emirate.