Benue-SEMA Confirms Four Dead in Boat Mishap Rescue Efforts

On October 6, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) confirmed that four passengers died in a boat mishap that occurred on October 4 on River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area. Mr Tema Ager, Head of Information Unit at Benue-SEMA, reported that 125 passengers had been rescued, while over nine individuals remained unaccounted for as rescue operations continued.

Ager indicated that approximately 138 people were believed to have been on the boat, which was also carrying 38 motorcycles. Divers have been deployed to search for missing persons and recover submerged motorcycles, with five motorcycles retrieved so far and 33 still at the scene.

The rescue efforts have faced challenges due to difficult river conditions and submerged debris. Ager urged river users to wear life jackets and adhere to safety protocols, stating that the search and rescue operation would persist until all individuals aboard the boat were accounted for.