A devastating boat accident has claimed the lives of 10 persons in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto.
The victims were fleeing an impending attack by bandits in Zalla Bango village when the incident occurred.
The boat capsized while attempting to cross a river, resulting in the deaths of all 10 passengers on board.
The accident happened as villagers were desperately trying to escape another wave of attacks, with the boat hitting the edge of a collapsed culvert, breaking, and eventually sinking.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai stating that the 10 corpses were recovered and buried according to Islamic rites last Friday.
The Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, visited the scene and explained that efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of victims and rescue any survivors.
Boat accidents have become a lingering concern in Sokoto, with multiple incidents reported in recent months.
In August, a boat accident in Shagari Local Government Area claimed the life of a 29-year-old, with several passengers feared missing.
Another incident in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni, resulted in six deaths and three people missing after a boat capsized as residents attempted to flee an attack by suspected bandits.
The police also confirmed an attack by Lakurawa terrorists on Santana village in Tangaza Local Government Area, resulting in the killing of a 47-year-old village head, Murtala Sa’adu, and his neighbour, Ibrahim Maikudi.
