Six people missing after boat capsizes in Benue

At least six people are missing after a boat carrying mourners capsized on the Buruku River in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident happened around 11 am on Saturday. About 70 people were returning from a burial ceremony when the boat capsized.

Raymond Zege, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, confirmed the news to journalists on Saturday. He said the victims were mourners from the nearby Gboko Local Government Area.

Zege explained that the boat's engine developed a fault while they were on the river. He said the passengers tried to keep the boat afloat. Another boat came to help them.

“They are people from Gboko LG; they went for a burial to cross to the other side, but on their way back they overloaded the boat and the engine failed. You know, most of them are not conversant with water sounds, and they became panic and in the process began to struggle.

“But before they could get to the other boat coming to rescue them, they ran into water waves, and the weight of the boat made it sink,” he said.

Zege noted that there were over 70 people on board. He said about six were still unaccounted for.

“There are over 70 people on board but we have not seen about six persons,” he said.

The chairman also expressed worries over safety measures among boat users. He said the authorities had provided life jackets for people using the river crossing.

He mentioned that enforcing the use of life jackets has been tough. Some passengers complain that the jackets are uncomfortable and give other reasons for not wearing them.

Meanwhile, Denis Iyaghigba, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, said he received early reports about the boat incident.

He stated that initial information showed that a strong current swept the boat into an abandoned barge at a corner of the river. This caused the boat to overturn.

“I wish to assure members of the public, particularly families of those who may have been aboard the boat, to remain calm and await verified information from the appropriate authorities. No effort will be spared to ensure their safety.

“I have directed the boat operators and their union downstream to mobilise and assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the commissioner said in the statement.