At least 6 people have died and three others are missing following a boat accident in the Garin Faji area of Sabon-Birni local government area, Sokoto State, as residents fled an attack by suspected bandits.
It was learnt that the tragedy occurred in the early hours of Thursday, marking the second time of such an incident in less than a week.
Recall that six days earlier, four people had lost their lives in a similar accident in the neighbouring Goronyo local government area. It was gathered that the victims were among dozens of residents who had taken to the water in a desperate attempt to escape after spotting some bandits advancing towards them.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the villagers had been sleeping in nearby bushes to avoid night-time attacks, and were returning home when the tragedy struck. Another resident revealed that panic broke out when the villagers saw the bandits approaching, prompting a hurried escape attempt across the water.
“They rushed into the canoe, but it could not carry them all and it capsized midway,” he explained.
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni, Hon. Aminu Boza, who confirmed the incident, noted that insecurity had forced many residents to abandon their homes.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also confirmed the accident. A senior official said 19 people were rescued from the water, while search and rescue operations were ongoing for the three missing persons.
