At least six students are feared to have lost their lives following a boat accident in the Buruku River, Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday night when a wooden boat conveying passengers back to school reportedly capsized while crossing the river.
Findings by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday indicated that the boat was heavily overloaded, a factor eyewitnesses blamed for the mishap.
A maritime worker at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the students had delayed their journey after politicians returning from a church thanksgiving in Logo were ferried first.
According to him, attempts were made to restrict boarding to allow the governor and members of his entourage to cross, forcing other passengers, including the students, to embark on the trip later in the night.
“By the time the remaining passengers were allowed to move, it was already dark. The boat eventually departed with too many people onboard,” he said.
He added that the boat capsized midway into the journey due to overloading, noting that while several passengers were rescued, six students drowned.
“So far, five bodies have been recovered, while one person is still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing,” the witness said.
Another source corroborated the account, alleging that the boat was carrying more than 45 passengers, in addition to vehicles, at the time of the accident.
A relative of one of the victims, Pastor Jethro Moor, identified the deceased as students from Gbeji in Ukum Local Government Area who were returning to Gboko to resume school activities.
He said the boat was also transporting two vehicles loaded with food items, alongside over 20 passengers.
“The load was too much for the boat. With the ongoing bridge construction, the waterway has become narrow, making it difficult for the boat to remain stable,” Moor said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Zege Aondoakura, told journalists that security agencies were already handling the situation.
He said rescue teams were still searching the river, adding that the exact number of casualties would be known after investigations.
“When the police conclude their investigation, you can get full details,” he said, declining further comment.
Reacting, the Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, described the incident as tragic and avoidable.
In a statement by his media aide, Lubem Gena, the commissioner said the state government had ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain both the immediate and underlying causes of the accident, including possible breaches of safety regulations.
He also commiserated with the families of the victims and residents of Buruku community.
However, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said the command was yet to receive an official report on the incident.
The Buruku River serves as a key crossing point linking Buruku to parts of Logo and Ukum local government areas, as well as neighbouring Taraba State.
For decades, residents have relied on boats due to the absence of a bridge, despite repeated promises by successive administrations to construct one to ease movement and prevent recurring accidents.