The incident occurred Monday night, according to Newsmen, when the heavily loaded wooden boat overturned.
A local source told journalists on Tuesday that the vessel was overcrowded, which likely caused the accident
At least six students returning to school are feared dead after a boat capsized on the Buruku River in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred Monday night, according to Newsmen, when the heavily loaded wooden boat overturned.
A local source told journalists on Tuesday that the vessel was overcrowded, which likely caused the accident.
An eyewitness, a maritime worker who asked not to be named, said the students had delayed their crossing to allow politicians returning from a church thanksgiving service in nearby Logo to pass first.
“Nightfall caught up with the remaining passengers, and the boat eventually departed with a large number of people onboard,” the witness said. “Midway into the journey, the boat capsized due to overloading.
Most passengers were rescued, but six students drowned. Five bodies have been recovered so far, while search efforts continue for one missing victim.”
Another eyewitness blamed the accident on gross overloading, noting that the boat was carrying more than 45 passengers in addition to vehicles.
Pastor Jethro Moor, a relative of one of the victims, said the deceased were students from Gbeji in Ukum Local Government Area who were traveling back to Gboko for school.
He explained that two vehicles carrying food items, along with more than 20 passengers, were on the boat at the time of the accident.
“The weight was too much for the boat. With the ongoing bridge construction, the navigable path has become narrow, and the boat could not remain stable under such a load,” Moor said.
Raymond Zege Aondoakura, chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, confirmed the tragedy to journalists on Tuesday. He said security agencies were handling the situation and rescue teams were still combing the river but declined to provide exact casualty figures pending police investigation.
Dennis Iyaghigba, Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers of unsafe and unregulated river transport.
In a statement released by his media aide, Lubem Gena, the commissioner said a full-scale investigation had been launched to determine the causes of the accident, including potential safety violations.
He also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Buruku community.
Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the state police command, said the police had yet to receive a formal report on the incident.
The Buruku River is a key crossing point for local communities traveling to nearby areas such as Logo and parts of Ukum LGA.
Past administrations, dating back to the military era, have promised to construct a bridge across the river to improve safety and ease movement, including for residents traveling from Taraba State.
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