Seven people have been reportedly missing after a boat conveying passengers capsized at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
More than 120 passengers were rescued following the incident, which occurred on Saturday at about 11am while the wooden boat was ferrying passengers across the River Benue.
The chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Aondoakura attributed the mishap to engine failure and the occupants’ inexperience in navigating the river safely.
He told newsmen in Makurdi that the boat capsized while returning from the other side of the river, alleging that it was overloaded and encountered strong waves.
Aondoakura said some passengers, who were unfamiliar with the river, panicked and struggled in the water, making rescue efforts difficult.
“Some of them were not conversant with the water, and they panicked while struggling to survive. Before rescuers could reach them, the boat had already sunk,” he said.
The chairman said the exact number of missing passengers was yet to be established, adding that more than 70 people had been rescued, while about six persons were still unaccounted for.
He expressed concern that passengers often fail to use life jackets while travelling on boats across the river.
“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 or that 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,” the chairman said.
