Six Mourners Missing After Boat Capsizes in Benue

Six mourners are missing after a wooden boat carrying more than 70 passengers and over 30 motorcycles capsized at a crossing point on River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident occurred at about 11 a.m. on Saturday as the mourners, mostly from Mbayon in Gboko Local Government Area, were returning from a burial ceremony on the other side of the river.

The boat reportedly developed an engine fault midway through the journey before encountering a heavy wave, causing panic among the passengers and resulting in the vessel capsizing.

The Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Zege, confirmed the incident, saying more than 60 passengers had been rescued while about six remained unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued.

Zege said the boat was heavily overloaded and urged residents using the waterway to comply with maritime safety regulations, particularly the compulsory use of life jackets.

He said the local government had provided life jackets for commuters but noted that some passengers resisted efforts by maritime officials to enforce their use.

The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, also confirmed the incident and appealed to families and members of the public to remain calm while authorities worked to establish the exact number of people involved.

Iyaghigba directed boat operators and their union to mobilise and support the ongoing search and rescue operation.

As of Saturday evening, authorities had not released a final passenger manifest, while rescue teams continued efforts to locate those still missing.