A Wooden boat carrying more than 70 mourners and over 30 motorcycles capsized at about 11a.m. Saturday while crossing River Katsina-Ala at Buruku crossing point in Benue State.
The Boat was conveying mourners mostly from Mbayon in Gboko LGA,who were returning from a burial ceremony.
Buruku Local Government Chairman, Raymond Zege, said the boat’s engine reportedly failed during their journey, causing panic among passengers before strong waves contributed to capsizing.
More than 60 passengers were rescued, while about six people remained unaccounted for in his latest update.
Benue Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, said preliminary reports indicated strong water current swept the boat into abandoned barge at bend in river.
He directed boat operators and their union to join ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
NIWA’s Makurdi Area Manager, Andrew Mdama Ndahi, confirmed preliminary investigations had commenced to establish what happened.
Authorities urged commuters to comply with maritime safety rules, particularly use of life jackets, while families were advised to await verified information as search continues.
