By Muhammad Mamman
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the death of at least 12 persons following a canoe mishap in Gummi Local Government Area on Friday evening.
The incident occurred at Danmaga village when terrified residents attempted to flee after sighting a group of armed bandits moving with rustled cattle towards the Birnin Magaji axis.
Eyewitnesses said panic-stricken women and children hurriedly boarded a canoe to cross a river, but the vessel capsized midway, plunging its occupants into the water.
“Unfortunately, 12 victims drowned, while over 20 others were rescued alive,” a local source disclosed.
Security operatives, working alongside community divers, later recovered the bodies, which were buried according to Islamic rites. Search operations are ongoing to locate possible missing persons.
The tragedy highlights the devastating impact of insecurity in Zamfara communities, where residents are frequently forced to make life-threatening decisions in their bid to escape banditry.
