A devastating tragedy unfolded in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where at least six villagers lost their lives and three others remain missing after a canoe capsized during an early morning escape from suspected bandits.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 21, marking the second fatal boat mishap in less than a week.
Just six days earlier, four people drowned in a similar accident in nearby Goronyo Local Government Area.
Eyewitness accounts painted a grim picture of desperation as terrified residents attempted to flee advancing attackers.
Many villagers, who had been spending nights in the bush to evade raids, were returning home when panic struck.
“Out of fear, people no longer sleep in their homes. That morning, they were returning when the canoe capsized”, a local source who doesn’t want to be quoted said.
Another resident explained that the chaos intensified when villagers spotted the approaching bandits, leading to an overcrowded rush onto the canoe, which capsized midway.
“They rushed into the canoe, but it couldn’t carry them all”, the resident recounted.
Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni, confirmed the tragic incident, describing how insecurity has emptied out entire communities.
“Some communities are now completely deserted. Most men spend the night in the bush and only return home in the morning,” Boza said.
He acknowledged the state government’s efforts to address the crisis, including deploying Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), which have helped foil attacks and arrest suspects.
“Just two days ago, security personnel foiled an attack and arrested four suspected bandits. But the area still requires more security presence”, he added.
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also confirmed the accident, revealing that 19 people were rescued from the water, while search efforts to locate the missing individuals are ongoing.
A senior SEMA official noted that the agency, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Red Cross, visited the community to assess the situation and support grieving families.
A comprehensive joint report on the incident is expected soon.