13 killed in Nigerian ferry accident, rescue hindered by bandits

Ferry Tragedy in Nigeria Claims 13 Lives Amid Bandit Threats

Thirteen people have been confirmed dead following a ferry accident on Sunday in Niger State, northern Nigeria. Authorities say the boat, which was en route to the Zumba Market, capsized mid-journey while carrying dozens of passengers and goods.

Passengers and Cargo on Board
The ill-fated boat was transporting 39 people along with 50 bags of rice. The popular Zumba Market, a key trade hub in the area, is a common destination for traders and villagers. However, this routine trip ended in tragedy on the waters of the River Kaduna.

Demographics of the Victims Released
Among the 13 victims were eight women, three men, and two children. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released to the public, as officials continue working to contact their families. The incident has left the local community in mourning.

Survivors Pulled from the Water
Despite the fatal outcome for some, 25 passengers were rescued from the water along with the boat’s driver. Emergency responders acted swiftly in challenging conditions, and the surviving individuals were brought ashore for medical attention and support.

Bandit Activity Disrupts Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts were severely hindered due to the presence of armed criminal gangs, commonly referred to as bandits. Ibrahim Hussaini, a representative from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), revealed that ongoing violence in the area prevented swift access to the scene.

Danger Zones Restrict Emergency Response

“Very few people can go to the scene because of banditry in that area,” Hussaini told the Associated Press. The statement highlights the dangers that both victims and rescuers face in conflict-affected regions of northern Nigeria, where security remains a major challenge.

Military Action in Shiroro Municipality
Coinciding with the ferry tragedy, Nigerian army troops launched a counter-offensive operation in Shiroro, the same municipality where Zumba Market is located. According to local outlet TheCable, soldiers killed 45 suspected gang members late Friday following credible intelligence reports.

Prevention of an Imminent Attack
Authorities say the operation was initiated after receiving information about a planned assault by a large group of bandits advancing on motorcycles. The military’s intervention likely prevented further violence in several communities that were under threat.

Worsening Violence in Northern Nigeria
Niger State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has been plagued by escalating violence carried out by criminal gangs. These groups routinely target civilians, making both rural living and emergency response extremely dangerous.

Amnesty International Describes the Horror
Amnesty International has repeatedly condemned the actions of these armed gangs. The NGO notes that the groups often storm villages on motorbikes, firing indiscriminately at civilians, burning homes, stealing livestock, and kidnapping residents for ransom.

Villagers Live Under Constant Fear
For residents in affected areas, the threat of violence is a constant shadow. Many communities are cut off from critical infrastructure and services due to the insecurity. The ferry accident, though tragic in itself, has been made worse by the inability to mount a full-scale rescue due to these external threats.

Government Faces Pressure to Act
Following this latest tragedy, pressure is mounting on the Nigerian government to improve safety measures on waterways and to clamp down on banditry. Security experts argue that more robust patrols and surveillance are necessary to protect both transport routes and local populations.

A Grieving Community Calls for Change
As the community mourns the victims, many are calling for increased investment in rural security and emergency preparedness. Local leaders stress that such incidents will continue unless long-term solutions to the violence and infrastructure gaps are implemented.

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