20 Nigerian children, women, others drown while fleeing from bandits in Niger state — local sources

At least 20 persons, including women and children, have reportedly drowned in Guni-Zumba river while fleeing a bandits attack.

The victims had escaped from the bandits who attacked Guni and Kurgbaku communities of Munya Local Government Area of Niger state, Daily Trust reported Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when bandits simultaneously invaded the two communities, forcing the locals to flee.

Sources said the victims were crossing the river to Zumba and Gwada IDP camps by boat when tragedy struck.

“Bandits invaded our communities this morning, and in an attempt to flee, some people drowned in Guni-Zumba river. Due to overloading, the boat capsized in the middle of the water,” Shehu Abubakar, a resident, is quoted to have said.

“For now, we don’t know the number casualties because we have not been able to rescue anybody but I can tell you that over 20 people, including women and children, were involved.”

He decried a lack of security presence in the area.

Michael Madaki, another resident, said, “Bandits attacked Guni community in Munya LGA of Niger State, the villagers trying to escape but their boat capsized.”

State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun was yet to comment on the development as of the time of filing this story.