At least 15 people have died and three remain missing after a boat capsized in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Friday, 29 August 2025.
The victims, mainly women and children, were villagers fleeing bandit attacks when their overloaded boat overturned on the Nasarawar Kifi river in Birnin Tudu ward. They came from Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, and Nasarawar Kifi communities.
Eyewitnesses said the boat, designed to carry 16 passengers, sank during its third trip after two women forced themselves aboard despite warnings it was already overloaded.
One local resident, Malam Bashiru, lamented that such accidents occur frequently due to poor transport facilities. He appealed for government and humanitarian support to provide more boats for villagers who rely on river transport for farming and trade.
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed the deaths, saying the atmosphere was filled with grief. He disclosed that the victims included eight housewives, three babies, and four youths. Local divers are still searching for the missing.
The deceased were buried in a mass funeral conducted by Liman Yahaya in line with Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, Aliyu Shehu, Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Field Office, confirmed the incident but said casualty figures were yet to be verified. He announced that a joint NEMA and ZEMA team would visit the community to confirm the toll and provide relief support.