Benue Boat Capsize: Five Bodies Found, Six Missing

On Saturday, a wooden boat carrying over 120 passengers capsized in Benue while returning from a burial ceremony at approximately 11 am. As of Sunday afternoon, five bodies had been recovered, while six individuals remained missing.

Saai Oryina, the Public Relations Officer of the Tombo Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (TMWUN), confirmed that the deceased were from the Mbayion area of Gboko LGA. Initially, it was believed that seven people were missing, but this number was later updated to 11.

Oryina noted that challenges in water transportation stem from passengers' refusal to wear life jackets, which could enhance survival chances during accidents. Nathaniel Apaa, a relative of four victims, shared on Facebook that two women from his family had been recovered, while his two younger brothers were still unaccounted for.

He expressed his sadness and called for prayers for his family during this difficult time.