Makurdi, Benue State – Authorities and local sources have confirmed a tragic boat mishap on the River Benue in Makurdi, where 11 persons, including a pregnant woman and six children, are feared dead after a boat conveying mourners home from a burial ceremony capsized.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday evening as passengers were returning from a burial in a nearby community. The boat, which was transporting residents across the River Benue, was said to have overturned midway through the journey under unclear but severe conditions.
Preliminary reports suggest that strong winds and heavy rainfall may have contributed to the accident, with possible concerns also raised about overcrowding and the use of a locally constructed wooden boat commonly used in riverine transportation.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that several passengers were thrown into the river when the boat capsized. Emergency responders, local divers, and community volunteers have since been engaged in search and recovery operations along the riverbank. Some bodies are reported to have been recovered, while others remain missing at the time of filing this report.
The victims were said to include mourners returning to Daudu/Dawadawa community, a riverine settlement near Makurdi.
Authorities have expressed concern over the recurring nature of boat accidents along major waterways in Nigeria, particularly during the rainy season when river conditions become more unpredictable.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
More details here...
