A search operation is underway for six people feared missing after a boat carrying mourners overturned on the Buruku River in Benue State.
The accident occurred around 11am on Saturday in Buruku Local Government Area, shortly after the mourners had attended a burial ceremony and were making their way back.
More than 70 people were said to have been travelling in the boat, with passengers reportedly struggling to survive after the vessel encountered trouble on the river.
The Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Zege, confirmed the incident, saying the affected mourners were from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.
He explained that the boat developed an engine fault while on the river. According to him, the passengers attempted to keep the vessel afloat as another boat moved towards them to provide assistance.
“They are people from Gboko LG; they went for a burial to cross to the other side, but on their way back they overloaded the boat and the engine failed. You know, most of them are not conversant with water sounds, and they became panic and in the process began to struggle.
“But before they could get to the other boat coming to rescue them, they ran into water waves, and the weight of the boat made it sink,” he said.
Zege said efforts to account for everyone who was aboard had so far shown that about six people were still missing.
“There are over 70 people on board but we have not seen about six persons,” he said.
The council chairman also highlighted concerns over the use of life jackets by passengers. He said the authorities had made the safety equipment available but faced difficulties getting some commuters to wear them.
According to him, some passengers had cited discomfort as a reason for refusing to use the jackets.
The state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, separately confirmed receiving an initial report about the accident.
Iyaghigba said the preliminary account available to his office indicated that the boat was pushed by a strong current towards an abandoned barge positioned around a bend, resulting in the vessel overturning.
“I wish to assure members of the public, particularly families of those who may have been aboard the boat, to remain calm and await verified information from the appropriate authorities. No effort will be spared to ensure their safety.
“I have directed the boat operators and their union downstream to mobilise and assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the commissioner said in the statement.
