Benue State Agency Confirms Over 30 Dead in Boat Capsize

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) confirmed that over thirty passengers died in a boat mishap on Saturday at the Buruku crossing point in River Katsina-Ala, Buruku Local Government area. Tema Ager, Head of Information Unit at Benue-SEMA, reported that four bodies, including that of Reverend Pastor Moses, were recovered, while nine others are still missing but presumed dead.

The boat was reportedly carrying over 200 passengers, primarily mourners returning from a burial ceremony in Gboko Local Government area. Following the incident, the Benue State Government suspended the activities of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers (NUMW) River Buruku branch.

Denis Iyaghigba, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, ordered the suspension of the line operator and the arrest of the boat's skipper. An inter-ministerial committee was established to investigate the causes of the mishap, and search and rescue operations were activated, emphasizing the mandatory use of life jackets at river crossing points.