Boat disaster wipes out over 150 suspected bandits in Sokoto. By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim

Boat disaster wipes out over 150 suspected bandits in Sokoto

More than 150 suspected bandits have reportedly died after a boat conveying them capsized in the Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State, in what sources described as a devastating incident.

Local sources said the incident occurred on Saturday evening when a heavily loaded boat conveying a large number of armed men capsized while attempting to cross a water body in the area.

The vessel was said to have suddenly overturned mid-journey, throwing all occupants into the water.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the situation quickly turned fatal, as many of those onboard allegedly lacked basic swimming skills.

“Most of them could not stay afloat, leading to massive casualties,” a source said.

Early reports suggested that none of the passengers survived the mishap. However, security agencies had yet to issue an official confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

If verified, the incident could deal a significant blow to bandit groups operating in the North-West, where security forces have in recent times intensified operations against criminal elements.