Reuters Copyright: Reuters The last 23 hostages from the Kaduna train attack were freed on Wednesday Image caption: The last 23 hostages from the Kaduna train attack were freed on Wednesday Zamfara is one of Nigerian states worst affected by killings and kidnappings for ransom. The attackers have also abducted at least 16 people in the nearby village of Dargaje. 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 shooting caused something of a stampede on the boats, which then tipped over, the resident explained.Ī police spokesman confirmed to the BBC that there had been attack on the village and drownings, but could not give casualty figures. The attackers shot dead at least six people and kidnapped seven other villagers before opening fire on the those fleeing on two boats, the resident told the BBC.

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.

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.

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