At least six 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, August 21, marking the second time of such an incident in less than a week.
Six days earlier, four people had lost their lives in a similar accident in the neighbouring Goronyo Local Government Area.
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Daily Trust 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 under 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.
“Out of fear, many people no longer sleep in their homes. That morning, they were returning when the canoe capsized,” the source said.
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.
Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni, confirmed the incident.
He noted that insecurity had forced many residents to abandon their homes.
“Some communities are now completely deserted. Most men spend the night in the bush and only return home in the morning,” Boza said.
He added that the state government had deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to Sabon Birni to support security efforts, which he said had led to some successes.
“Just two days ago, security personnel foiled an attack and arrested four suspected bandits. But the area still requires more security presence,” he stated.
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.
“In response, SEMA led a joint assessment visit with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Red Cross to the affected community to confirm the casualties and engage with families of the victims,” the official said.
A comprehensive report on the incident is expected to be jointly released by NEMA, SEMA, and NIWA.
The latest incident highlights the growing humanitarian crisis in Sokoto State, where residents in several communities remain displaced due to persistent attacks by armed groups.