By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Reports trickling in indicate that at least 150 suspected bandits lost their lives after their boat overturned in the Sabon Gida district of Sokoto State. 

The accident took place on a Saturday evening as the group attempted to navigate across a large body of water.

Local accounts suggest the vessel was heavily overloaded with armed men at the time of the incident. This excessive weight is believed to have caused the boat to become unstable and eventually capsize.

When the boat flipped, all passengers were plunged into the water simultaneously. Early reports suggest that a lack of swimming skills among the men contributed significantly to the high number of fatalities.

Witnesses from the area stated that there appeared to be no survivors from the accident. The speed at which the vessel sank left the occupants with almost no chance of reaching the safety of the shore.

While local reports describe a massive loss of life, official confirmation from government security agencies is still pending. Formal statements regarding the exact death toll have not yet been released.

The Sabon Gida area is known as a transit point for criminal groups in the region. This incident is seen as a major blow to the operational capacity and manpower of the gangs active in this part of the North-West.

If these reports are fully verified, the drowning would mark one of the largest non-combat losses for bandits in recent history. It underscores the natural risks these groups face while moving through difficult terrain to evade detection.