Benue boat mishap leaves four dead and nine missing

Four people have died and nine remain missing following a boat mishap on River Katsina-Ala in the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) confirmed the deaths on Monday, noting that rescue operations are ongoing.

Approximately 138 people are believed to have been involved in the incident. So far, 125 passengers have been rescued. The boat was reportedly conveying 38 motorcycles, with an estimated three passengers attached to each motorcycle.

Rescue efforts have been complicated by difficult river conditions and submerged debris. Divers have been deployed to search for the missing and recover belongings; five motorcycles have been retrieved, while 33 remain submerged. Authorities are currently reconciling survivor and community reports to establish the final number of passengers on board.