- Five farmers killed by Boko Haram in Borno
A boat mishap in Gummi Local Council of Zamfara State has claimed the lives of 15 villagers, while three others remain missing.
The incident occurred on Friday when residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi and neighbouring villages in Birnin Tudu ward attempted to cross the river with a single canoe while fleeing from advancing bandits.
An eyewitness, Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi, told The Guardian that panic spread when news broke that the bandits were approaching the riverbank. He explained that the canoe, already filled to capacity, capsized after two women forced their way on board during the third trip out of fear of being left behind.
“Only one canoe serves the entire community, with a capacity of just 16 passengers. But in desperation, more people climbed on board. The boat overturned, and many drowned,” Yan Kifi said.
He added that villagers cross the river daily for farming and trade, often risking their lives due to the absence of safe transport and life jackets. “Rescue efforts recovered 12 bodies on Friday, while three more were found. Search operations are still ongoing for the remaining three missing persons. Victims included eight housewives, three babies, and four youths. They were buried on Friday night after funeral prayers led by Liman Yahaya.”
The village head of Nasarawar Kifi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, confirmed the tragedy, describing it as a devastating blow to already traumatised communities. “We were observing Friday prayers when we heard about the accident. Our people worked tirelessly to rescue survivors, but sadly, many lives were lost,” he said.
Reacting, the spokesperson of Zamfara State Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the mishap as tragic and regrettable. He said Governor Dauda Lawal had directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) to provide relief materials, support rescue efforts, and commiserate with affected families and the Gummi emirate.
In a related development, a least five farmers were reported killed by Boko Haram insurgents on Saturday in Goshe, a community in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said the victims were working on their farms in the morning when the insurgents attacked them.
Junaid Jibrin, a legislative aide to the district’s senator, Muhammad Ndume, commented on the attacks in a Facebook post.
“A dark cloud has once again fallen on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. By mid-morning on Saturday, while innocent farmers were simply tilling their land in search of daily sustenance, suspected Boko Haram insurgents descended upon them in cold blood, Five precious lives were cut short,” Mr Jibrin wrote.
“Ordinary people, whose only ‘fault’ was to step into their farms to feed their families and contribute to the community, were silenced forever. This is our story, such horrors visit us almost daily, especially upon our farmlands.
“May the Almighty forgive their shortcomings, grant them eternal rest, and shield us all from the hands of those who take innocent lives. Ameen,” Jibrin added.
However, the police spokesperson in Borno, Nanum Keneath, when contacted by this reporter, said they were yet to receive the information.
Reuben Kovangiya, a spokesperson of the Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai fighting the insurgency, also said he could not confirm the attack.
Recent offensives by troops of Operation Hadin Kai had led to the killing of about 20 Insurgents.
Carried out between Saturday and Sunday, the operations hit terrorist hideouts in Tamsu Ngamdu, Dalakaleri, Gaza and Loskori Kura villages.
Very sad. People trying to escape bandits ended up losing their lives—this shows how unsafe things have become.