Six people have died after a wooden boat carrying more than 70 mourners and over 30 motorcycles capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

The tragic incident occurred at about 11am on Saturday as the mourners, mostly from Mbayon in neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area, were returning from a burial ceremony on the other side of the river.

Boat Overloaded Before Engine Failed

The Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Zege, confirmed the incident, saying the boat was overloaded with more than 70 passengers when its engine reportedly developed a fault midway through the journey.

According to him, the passengers became panicked while attempting to remain afloat and reach another boat that had been sent to rescue them.

However, before the rescue vessel could reach them, the boat encountered strong waves and overturned.

Zege said six people were subsequently confirmed dead, while more than 60 passengers had been rescued during the initial search and rescue operation.

Strong Current Reportedly Swept Boat

The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, also confirmed the boat mishap.

In a statement, Iyaghigba said preliminary information indicated that a strong water current swept the boat into an abandoned barge at a bend in the river, causing it to overturn.

The commissioner urged families of those who may have been on board to remain calm and await verified information from the relevant authorities.

He also directed boat operators and their union downstream to mobilise and assist with the ongoing search and rescue operation.

Safety Rules Raise Fresh Concerns

The tragedy has renewed concerns over compliance with safety regulations at the Buruku river crossing.

Zege said the local government had provided life jackets for commuters using the route, but enforcing their use had remained difficult because some passengers reportedly resisted wearing them.

The council chairman urged commuters to cooperate with maritime officials and comply with safety measures designed to prevent further loss of lives.

The incident is particularly concerning because the Benue Government had earlier introduced stricter safety measures for water transportation, including compulsory use of life jackets and a ban on overloading boats.

Search And Rescue Operations Continue

Authorities have continued efforts to account for everyone who was aboard the vessel, while boat operators and local volunteers have been mobilised to support the search.

The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by communities that depend on river transportation, particularly at crossings where permanent bridges are unavailable.