11 feared dead in Benue boat accident

Tragedy struck on the River Benue in Nigeria's Benue State when a boat carrying mourners from a burial ceremony capsized, resulting in the feared deaths of at least 11 individuals. Among the missing are a pregnant woman and six children. The ill-fated journey was taking approximately 40 people back to the Daududawadawa community.

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The deceased woman had been taken to a private hospital in North Bank on Saturday morning, where she later died, and the relatives and sympathisers from the island community decided to take the remains to Wadata for her burial.

The incident occurred on Saturday night between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. during a severe downpour accompanied by a strong windstorm. The boat, which had departed after a burial in Wadata, capsized midway across the river. Nura Umar, commander of a local vigilante group, confirmed the event, stating that four bodies have been recovered and buried, while search efforts for the remaining victims are ongoing.

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After the burial, they boarded a boat to cross back to the Daududawadawa community. At about 7 p.m., heavy rain and strong winds started, and the boat capsized halfway into the journey.

Adding to the heartbreak, one survivor lost her infant child who was strapped to her back during the capsize. While state police spokesperson Udeme Edet stated she had not yet received a report, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, Joseph Keffi, could not be reached. This incident follows a pledge by the state government in January to enforce rigorous safety measures on waterways, including the mandatory use of life jackets, a promise that appears to have been unmet.

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There were over 40 passengers aboard the boat, but 11 were feared dead. We have recovered four bodies so far and buried them, while divers are still searching for the remaining victims.