7 missing as boat capsizes in Benue

At least seven individuals are missing after a boat capsized at the Buruku crossing point in Benue State's Buruku Local Government Area on Saturday. The wooden vessel, carrying over 120 passengers, was navigating the River Benue when the incident occurred around 11am. A maritime worker said that as of 2:30pm, seven people were still missing, and rescue efforts were ongoing to locate them.

Fanen, another witness, claimed the boat was transporting mourners returning from a burial ceremony and 35 motorcycles. The chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Aondoakura, attributed the mishap to engine failure and overcrowding, while passengers' inexperience in navigating the river also played a role. Some panicked and struggled in the water, making rescue efforts more challenging.

The exact number of missing passengers is still being determined, with over 70 people rescued and six still unaccounted for. The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Andrew Mdama Ndahi, confirmed the incident and stated that preliminary investigations were underway. The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Ter Iyaghigba, directed boat operators and their union downstream to assist in the search and rescue operation, urging the public to remain calm and await verified information from authorities.