Six students returning to school drowned after an overloaded wooden boat carrying over 45 passengers and vehicles capsized at the Buruku crossing point on River Benue, prompting an investigation and renewed concerns over unsafe inland water transport.
At least six students reportedly returning to school have drowned after the boat they were travelling in capsized at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred on Sunday night while the students and other passengers were being ferried across the River Benue.
Witnesses said the mishap happened while the ill-fated boat was enroute to the Buruku side of the river from the Logo LGA axis with passengers mainly from the Sankara axis. A maritime worker at the crossing point blamed the incident on overloading, saying the wooden boat was carrying passengers and vehicles across the river to Buruku when it suddenly sank.
There were over 45 people on that boat, including vehicles. Five bodies have been recovered, while one remains missing, and search parties are currently combing the river for the victim. The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, has launched a full-scale investigation into the accident.
The incident has been attributed to excessive load, with two vehicles loaded with food items and over 20 passengers onboard the boat. The chairman of Buruku LGA, Raymond Aondoakura, said the police were handling the matter and rescue teams were still combing the river.
The commissioner expressed grave concern and deep distress over the incident, describing it as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe and unregulated inland water transportation. He extended sympathy to the families of the victims and the Buruku community.
Boat mishaps have been a recurring issue in Benue State, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and regulation of inland water transportation.
READ ALSO: Police arrests Two UNIBEN Students Over Tragic Drowning of Fellow Student
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, DAILY TRUST
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