Benue State boat accident leaves several dead and missing

A wooden boat carrying over 70 mourners and approximately 30 motorcycles capsized on the River Katsina-Ala in the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. as passengers were returning from a burial ceremony in the Gboko Local Government Area.

Reports indicate the vessel was severely overloaded and experienced engine failure mid-journey. The resulting panic, combined with heavy waves, caused the boat to overturn. While many passengers were rescued, several fatalities and missing persons have been reported. Conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties exist, with some sources stating at least six people died and others noting that up to 11 people remain unaccounted for.

In response, the Benue State Government has suspended the Buruku branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) and ordered the arrest of the boat's skipper. An inter-ministerial committee has been established to investigate the cause of the accident. Authorities have also intensified search and rescue operations and ordered stricter enforcement of compulsory life-jacket use across all state waterways.