'30' residents fleeing bandits' attack drown in Zamfara

At least 30 people fleeing attack on Birnin Waje community in Bukkuyum local government area of Zamfara State  lost their lives after canoes they boarded capsized on Wednesday night.

Residents told our correspondent that two overloaded canoes with mostly women and children onboard capsized when they were trying cross a river to flee attack on their community by armed men.

In recent weeks, communities in Bukkuyum local government area of the state have seen sharp rise in deadly raids. The assaults are being staged by bandits who are widely believed to be hiding in expansive Gando and Barikin Daji forests in Bukkuyum and Gummi local government areas

Thirteen days ago, 15 worshippers were shot dead by the armed men following an attack on mosque in Ruwan Jema community of Bukkuyum local government area.

In Wednesday’s attack, residents said the armed criminals had invaded Birnin Waje community firing at residents. The shootings triggered stampede with many residents struggling to board the canoes to cross a river to Zauma, a community they considered relatively safer, which is located 2km west of Bukkuyum town, the headquarters of Bukkuyum local government area.