By People’s Post
No fewer than fifteen dead bodies mostly women and children have so far recovered from a boat Mishap occured in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday.
It was reported that the victims lost their lives in their effort to fleeing a bandit attack from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi and other neighboring villages in Birnin Tudu ward.
According to eyewitnesses, panic erupted when news spread that the bandits were approaching the riverbank. In desperation, residents crowded into the only available canoe designed to carry just 16 passengers.
The vessel capsized during its third trip when two women forced their way aboard, causing it to become dangerously overloaded.
“Only one canoe serves the entire community, with a capacity of just 16 passengers. But in fear of being left behind, more people climbed on board.
The boat overturned, and many drowned,” said Malam
Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi, who spoke to journalist lamented that villagers have long risked their lives crossing the river daily for farming and trade due to lack of safe transport.
Rescue teams and local divers recovered 12 bodies on Friday, while three more were found on Saturday. Search efforts are ongoing for the three missing persons.
Among the dead were eight housewives, three babies, and four youths. Funeral prayers led by Liman Yahaya were held Friday night before mass burial in the community.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, described the mishap as a “devastating blow” to the already traumatized people of the area.
“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.
While responding on the tragedy, the spokesperson of Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, expressed deep sorrow, calling it “tragic and regrettable.”
