Bandit attack triggers canoe tragedy in Sokoto: 6 dead, 3 missing

At least six villagers have been confirmed dead and three others declared missing after a canoe capsized in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, on Thursday, August 21.

The victims were among dozens of residents fleeing an early-morning assault by suspected bandits, when their canoe overturned mid-river. Eyewitnesses recounted how panic-stricken villagers rushed into the water in a desperate attempt to escape advancing attackers.

This latest mishap comes barely six days after a similar tragedy in Goronyo Local Government Area, where four people drowned in another boat accident along the Sokoto waterways.

A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said many villagers had been spending the night in the bush to avoid raids and were returning home when disaster 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 explained that panic set in as the villagers spotted the approaching bandits, causing a rush to cross the waterway.

“They rushed into the canoe, but it could not carry them all and it capsized midway,” he said.

Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly representing Sabon Birni, confirmed the incident, saying insecurity has forced several communities to empty out.“Some communities are now completely deserted. Most men spend the night in the bush and only return home in the morning,” Boza said.
He noted that the state government had deployed Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to boost security operations, which had recorded 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 verified the accident. A senior official reported that 19 people were rescued, while efforts continued to locate the three missing individuals.

“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 joint report on the incident is expected from NEMA, SEMA, and NIWA.

(DAILY TRUST)