Fleeing Nigerians drown after gang shoots at boats

At least 18 women and children have drowned in Nigeria’s north-western Zamfara state after their boats capsized as a gang of kidnappers opened fire on them, a resident has said.

The 18 were among dozens of people trying to escape an attack by the gunmen on the village of Birnin Wajje in the Bukkuyum area.

The attackers shot dead at least six people and kidnapped seven other villagers before opening fire on those fleeing on two boats, the resident told the BBC.

The shooting caused something of a stampede on the boats, which then tipped over, the resident explained.

A police spokesman confirmed to the BBC that there had been attack on the village and drownings, but could not give casualty figures.

The resident, who the BBC is not naming for safety reasons, said that 18 bodies had been recovered, but several others were still missing.

The attackers have also abducted at least 16 people in the nearby village of Dargaje.

Zamfara is one of Nigerian states worst affected by killings and kidnappings for ransom.