Zamfara: Over 20 Villagers Drown Fleeing Bandit Attack

Over 20 residents of the Kali community in Gumi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, lost their lives while attempting to escape a bandit attack.

Sources report that the victims drowned when their overloaded boat capsized in a river. According to a resident who requested anonymity, the incident occurred around 1:00 pm last Sunday when bandits armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the village.

“The bandits were seen approaching Kali village on motorcycles, prompting the villagers to flee for their safety,” the resident recounted.

In the ensuing panic, the villagers boarded a boat to cross the Birnin Magaji River. Unfortunately, the boat, unable to bear the weight, capsized. Recovery efforts have so far yielded five bodies from Falale River, four from Birnin Magaji River, and three from Gadar Gummi River.

The assailants reportedly continued their rampage across multiple communities, including Kwammaka, Kwammaka Jibi, Kwammaka Mai Katsina, Kallin, and Kazura villages, all within the Gumi LGA.

As of now, the police have not released an official statement regarding the incident. The community remains in mourning as search and rescue operations continue.