15 Residents Fleeing From Bandits Feared Dead In Zamfara Boat Accident

No fewer than 15 people have reportedly died, while three others are missing, when their boat capsized in the Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 29, 2025, when villagers fleeing bandit attacks attempted to cross a river at Nasarawar Kifi in Birnin Tudu ward.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims who were mostly women and children from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, and Nasarawar Kifi, had rushed to the river in search of safety, even as the boat which had the capacity to carry only 16 persons, overturned during its third trip after two women forced themselves onboard despite the boat already being overloaded.
An eyewitness, Malam Bashiru, lamented that the community has continued to lose lives yearly to such accidents amid inadequate transport facilities.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed the tragedy, describing the atmosphere in the communities as one of grief.
According to Chigari, the victims included eight housewives, three babies, and four youths.