From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Obagaji, the headquarter of Agatu local government area of Benue State was thrown into mourning on Sunday following the death of five children of a farmer in a boat mishap.
A native in the area who simply identified himself as Ameh said that the farmer had gone to his farm alongside his six children to harvest crops.
Ameh told newsmen in over telephone on Monday, that rescue team made up of local divers were immediately raised but regretted that five of the children lost their lives.
“Unfortunately, on their way back home, the small boat they were in with heavy loads capsized in the river,” Ameh said.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of the local government, Melvin James said that seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized and five children died in the boat mishap.
According to him, “The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they were drowned.
“Though, the canoe was overloaded which might have caused the mishap, but the father and one of the child survived.
The council boss said that the wife was not in the canoe when the incident happened.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, James extended his condolences to the family.
Meanwhile, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached for comment as at the time of filing this report.
