From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
A boat mishap in Buruku Local Government area of Benue State has left many missing as 60 persons have so far been rescued.
Our correpondent learnt that the incident occurred at about 11 am on Saturday as commuters were crossing over the River attending a burial.
Confirming the incident in a phone conversation with journalists, Chairman of the local government area Raymond Zege said some persons attended a burial in Gboko and were returning when their boat developed technical fault midway and there was great panic amongst the passengers, adding that the weight of the boat coupled with the water current, resulted in the boat capsizing.
He said, “boats are being used because most of the roads in that area are not accessible, so people depend on the waterways for transportation.
“As they struggled to move and before they could get to the boats that were being brought to rescue them, because of the weight and the water waves, the boat capsized.
“At the time I am speaking with you, we do not know the exact number of people who are still missing but we have rescued about 60 persons”.
The eye witness attributed thet boat mishap to adamant refusal of commuters to adhere to maritime regulations particularly the use of life jackets
He said, “people can be very difficult. There is a law and we have provided life jackets for every commuter crossing that route. When they come and the maritime workers try to enforce the law, some commuters complain that they have health issues and so they do not want to share life jackets.
“We have provided the jackets, and the state government is also supporting efforts to ensure that maritime safety regulations are enforced. Sometimes the maritime officials come for enforcement, including at night.
“People should cooperate with them because the safety measures are meant to protect lives.
Meanwhile, in a press statement, the state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy Dennis Ter Iyaghigba acknowledged receipt of preliminary reports of an unfortunate boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point on Saturday, 3rd October, 2026.
He said the preliminary information showed that the boat was ferrying passengers when a strong water current swept it into an abandoned barge at a corner of the river consequently upon which the boat tumbled.
He assured members of the public, particularly families of those who may have been aboard the boat, to remain calm and await for verified information from the appropriate authorities, adding that 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.
“Further details will be communicated as the rescue operation progresses”, Dennis said.
