Over a dozen women, children fleeing bandit attacks drown

No fewer than 20 people, including women and children, drowned in the Guni-Zumba river as they fled bandit attacks some Niger communities in Munya LGA on Wednesday.

Sources said the victims were crossing the river to Zumba and Gwada IDP camps in a boat packed with residents.

“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. 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,” the Daily Trust quoted a source.

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

The Niger State Police Command has not issued any official statement about the incident.