30 people, mostly women, children fleeing bandits’ attack drown in Zamfara river

At least 30 people, mostly women and children, have drowned in a river while escaping attack by bandits in Bukkuyum local government area of Zamfara State. 

The victims, from Birnin Waje community, lost their lives when two canoes they boarded capsized on Wednesday night, October 5, 2022.

The overloaded canoes capsized when they were trying to cross a river to flee attack by bandits who entered their community shooting sporadically.

The fleeing victims reportedly overloaded two canoes available as no one wanted to be left behind. The unstable canoes eventually capsized as the gunmen continued shooting at them from distance.

“I can tell you that three children of my younger sister are among the victims. There is intense fear that the bandits are still in the area. This has greatly hampered rescue efforts. It is really a tragedy,” a resident, Babangida told Daily Trust.

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The assaults are reportedly being staged by bandits who are widely believed to be hiding in expansive Gando and Barikin Daji forests in Bukkuyum and Gummi local government areas.

Thirteen days ago, 15 worshippers were shot dead by the armed men following an attack on mosque in Ruwan Jema community of Bukkuyum local government area. 

Meanwhile, Facebook user, Hon Abubakar Bukkuyum, who posted photos of villagers fleeing the community, said eight bodies have been recovered so far.