Dozens die as canoes capsize in Zamfara

Thirty people have died after two canoes capsized at Birnin Waje community in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The deceased lost their lives when the canoes they boarded capsized on Wednesday night while fleeing an attack from armed men.

A source told newsmen that those who died were mostly children and women. It was said that the unfortunate incident occurred when they were trying to cross a river in an attempt to flee an attack on their community by armed men.

Unfortunately the two canoes used in a bid to move them within Zamfara were overloaded and consequently capsized.

Recently, there has been a surge in deadly raids of recent on communities in Bukkuyum.

Intelligence reports have indicated that the assaults are being carried out by bandits widely believed to be hiding in Barikin Daji and Gando forests in Bukkuyum and Gummi local government areas.

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About two weeks ago, according to the source, terrorists shot dead 15 worshippers in Ruwan Jema community. It happened when a mosque in the community (also located in Bukkuyum local government area) was attacked.

Journalists also confirmed that the armed bandits had invaded Birnin Waje community firing at residents on Wednesday’s attack. It was confirmed that the shootings resulted in a stampede with many residents struggling to board the canoes to cross a river to Zauma.

Zauma is a community regarded to be relatively safer. It is about 2km west of Bukkuyum town, the headquarters of Bukkuyum local government area.

“… some residents managed to escape”

The source said, “The armed men then followed the fleeing residents to the river bank firing shots. In the middle of the river the canoe riders who probably could not withstand the gunfire by the bandits jumped into the waters leaving the canoes adrift. Some residents managed to escape after they plunged into the waters and swam to the shores.”

Still speaking on the canoes capsize in Zamfara, he said three children of his younger sister are among the victims. He added that there is fear that the bandits are still in the area as rescue efforts are almost impossible.