Boat accident
At least 15 individuals, predominantly women and children, are feared dead after a boat overturned in Nasarawar Kifi, Birnin Tudu ward, Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on August 29, 2025.
The victims, escaping bandit attacks, were attempting to cross a river when the tragedy struck, leaving three others unaccounted for.
According to local accounts, the boat, designed to carry only 16 passengers, capsized on its third trip after two women boarded an already overcrowded vessel.
The passengers hailed from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, and Nasarawar Kifi, seeking safety from ongoing banditry.
“The boat was overloaded, and despite warnings, the desperation to flee led to this disaster,” an eyewitness, Malam Bashiru, shared, highlighting the community’s recurring loss of life due to inadequate transport infrastructure.
He urged authorities to provide more boats to support villagers reliant on river crossings for their livelihoods.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed the devastating loss, noting, “The community is engulfed in sorrow, with eight housewives, three infants, and four youths
among the deceased.”
Local divers continue to search for the missing, while the community held a mass funeral, led by Liman Yahaya, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Head of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Sokoto Field Office, confirmed the incident but noted the need for further investigation.
“We are coordinating with the Zamfara State Emergency Management Agency to visit the site and verify the casualty figures while providing relief to affected families,” Shehu stated.
The NEMA team plans to assess the situation in the remote village to deliver necessary support.
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