13 Residents Drown While Fleeing Gunmen in Zamfara

Thirteen residents of Birnin Magaji ward in Zamfara State have drowned while attempting to escape an armed attack on Friday.

According to eyewitnesses, gunmen stormed two communities in the area, forcing residents to flee toward a nearby river. With only one boat available, dozens of people tried to board, causing it to capsize.

Shehu Mohammed, a health worker in Birnin Magaji, said his eldest son and two nieces were among the victims.

“My eldest son and two other nieces were among the 13 people who died when the boat was heavily overloaded with people,” he told Reuters.

Maidamma Dankilo, the district head of Birnin Magaji, confirmed the casualty figures. He said 22 residents were rescued, while 22 others remain missing.

The incident underscores the growing insecurity in Zamfara, where communities have faced repeated assaults from armed groups.

Just last week, gunmen killed two residents and abducted at least 100 in Gamdum Mallam and Ruwan Rana villages of Bukkuyum Local Government Area. Earlier in August, attacks in Kauran Namoda LGA left 24 people dead, 16 injured, and 144 kidnapped. In July, bandits killed 33 abductees in Banga town after allegedly collecting a ransom of ₦50 million.

Zamfara remains one of the states hardest hit by banditry in northern Nigeria, with residents often caught between fleeing for safety and facing further tragedy.