In a heartbreaking turn of events, at least 15 individuals have reportedly perished, and three others remain missing after a boat capsized in the Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The tragedy unfolded on Friday, August 29, 2025, as villagers desperate to escape impending bandit attacks sought refuge across a river at Nasarawar Kifi in Birnin Tudu ward. Eyewitnesses revealed that the victims, primarily women and children from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, and Nasarawar Kifi, rushed to the river in search of safety from the violence that has plagued their communities.
The ill-fated boat, designed to carry only 16 passengers, overturned during its third trip after two women forced their way onboard, despite the vessel being overloaded.
Malam Bashiru, an eyewitness, lamented the community’s ongoing struggle with inadequate transport facilities, which have led to repeated tragedies. He called for government and humanitarian assistance to provide more boats for villagers reliant on water transportation for their livelihoods.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed the tragic loss, describing the atmosphere in the community as one of deep sorrow. He disclosed that among the deceased were eight housewives, three infants, and four youths, as local divers continue to search for the missing.
The deceased have been laid to rest in a mass funeral led by Liman Yahaya, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, Aliyu Shehu, Head of the Sokoto Field Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident to Channels Television via telephone, although he could not verify the casualty figures. He stated that a team from NEMA, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), would visit the site to determine the exact number of victims and provide relief materials for their families.
“We learned about this tragic incident today. The Zamfara Emergency Management Agency and our team will be visiting there tomorrow, as we can’t confirm the exact number of victims yet. The incident didn’t happen in Gummi town; it took place in a village outside Gummi, so we don’t have all the details until we arrive tomorrow,” he added.
Leave a Reply