At least 13 people have drowned in Zamfara State after attempting to flee an armed attack in Birnin Magaji ward.
Gatekeepers News reports that gunmen reportedly stormed two communities in the area on Friday, prompting residents to rush toward the river to escape.
Witnesses said only one boat was available, and it became dangerously overloaded with fleeing villagers.
Shehu Mohammed, a health worker in Birnin Magaji, told Reuters that members of his family were among the victims.
He said, “My eldest son and two other nieces were among the 13 people who died when the boat was heavily overloaded with people.”
Maidamma Dankilo, district head of Birnin Magaji, confirmed the tragedy, saying that 13 bodies had been recovered, 22 people rescued, and 22 others remained missing.
The incident comes amid a surge in deadly raids by gunmen across Zamfara. Just last week, armed groups attacked Gamdum Mallam and Ruwan Rana villages in Bukkuyum LGA, killing two people and abducting more than 100.
Earlier in August, gunmen struck several communities in Kauran Namoda LGA, leaving 24 people dead, 16 injured, and 144 kidnapped.
In July, bandits reportedly killed 33 abducted victims in Banga town after collecting a ransom of ₦50 million.
