At least 18 residents are feared dead after boats carrying people fleeing a bandit attack capsized in Tsamaye community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred as residents attempted to escape a late-night invasion by heavily armed bandits, who reportedly attacked the community, abducted dozens of people and forced many families to flee.
According to eyewitnesses, panic spread through the community after reports emerged that the attackers were advancing. In the rush to reach safety, frightened residents boarded overloaded boats to cross a nearby river. The boats later capsized, throwing about 25 passengers into the water.
Seven people were rescued alive, while at least 18 others remain missing and are feared dead as search and rescue efforts continue.
During the attack, the gunmen reportedly abducted 37 residents, many of them women and children. Witnesses said the assailants moved through homes, farms and surrounding bushes, where some villagers had taken shelter to avoid repeated attacks.
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Residents also alleged that security agencies failed to respond despite receiving advance warnings of the invasion. A local vigilante member said security personnel lacked the equipment needed to effectively confront the attackers.
The bandits were further accused of burning two houses, rustling livestock and forcing thousands of residents to flee Tsamaye and neighbouring communities.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack and said additional security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.
The latest assault comes just days after another deadly attack on the same community, highlighting the persistent security challenges confronting communities in the Sabon Birni area of Sokoto State.
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