Four people, including a Catholic priest, have died while nine others remain missing following a boat accident on the Buruku River in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Saturday as mourners returning from a burial ceremony were travelling across the river. The victims were reportedly from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that four bodies had been recovered. One of the deceased was identified as Rev. Fr. Moses Tsuagh.
SEMA Information Officer, Tema Ager, said more than 200 people may have been on the boat, including members of the Okada riders’ association and other passengers who joined the vessel at the waterside.
According to the agency, 38 motorcycles were also lost in the river, comprising 32 motorcycles belonging to the Okada riders and six others that reportedly sank from other boats involved in the rescue effort.
Following the tragedy, the Benue State Government suspended the Buruku crossing-point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime Workers.
The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, also ordered the suspension of the line operator and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved in the accident.
