News Editor
Tragedy struck on Wednesday 30 March when no fewer than 20 people, including women and children were drowned in the Guni-Zumba River while trying to escape attacks on their communities.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning when terrorists simultaneously invaded Guni and Kurgbaku communities, forcing the residents to flee.
Sources to Daily Trust that the victims were crossing the river to Zumba and Gwada internally displaced persons’ camps by boat.
Shehu Abubakar, a resident who lamented the lack of security in the area, said the boat was loaded beyond capacity, forcing it to capsize in the middle of the water.
“Bandits invaded our communities this morning, and in an attempt to flee, some people drowned in the Guni-Zumba River. Due to overloading, the boat capsized in the middle of the water.
“For now, we don’t know the number of 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 said.
Michael Madaki, another resident, said, “Bandits attacked Guni community in Munya LGA of Niger State, the villagers were trying to escape but their boat capsized.”
The state police spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comments at the time of filing the report.
