Benue: Many missing as boat carrying over 70 mourners capsizes
Multiple Missing After Boat Capsizes in Benue State
Buruku, Benue State – Several individuals are feared missing after a wooden boat carrying more than 70 mourners and over 30 motorcycles capsized while attempting to cross the River Katsina-Ala on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at the Buruku river crossing point, as the passengers, primarily from Mbayon in Gboko Local Government Area, were returning from the burial of a relative on the opposite bank of the river.
Emergency responders successfully rescued many occupants from the water, but search efforts continued Saturday afternoon for those who remained unaccounted for.
An eyewitness reported that the boat was significantly overloaded with both passengers and motorcycles when its engine malfunctioned during the crossing.
“The boat was overcrowded with many people and over 30 motorcycles when the incident occurred,” the witness said. “Although many have been rescued, I cannot provide an exact number of those still missing as search operations are ongoing.”
Raymond Zege, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, confirmed the incident, stating that the passengers were mourners from Gboko who had crossed the river for a funeral. He noted that the boat’s engine failure led to panic among those on board.
“The boat was carrying more than 70 people when the engine stopped, causing a situation of alarm amongst the passengers,” Zege explained. “They encountered heavy waves, which contributed to the capsizing of the boat before help arrived.”
Zege reported that over 60 passengers had been rescued but that officials were still working to determine the total number of missing individuals. “At present, we have not accounted for about six people,” he stated. “Search and rescue operations are ongoing.”
The chairman underscored the necessity for waterway users to adhere to maritime safety protocols, including the wearing of life jackets during crossings. He indicated that the local government had provided life jackets for commuters, yet enforcement has proven challenging.
“People often resist using the life jackets due to various reasons,” he said. “There are laws in place, and we have made resources available, but enforcement can be met with resistance.”
The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, also confirmed the mishap through a statement and urged the public, particularly the families of those on board, to remain calm as rescue teams work diligently to assess the situation.
“I have received preliminary reports regarding the unfortunate boat accident at the Buruku crossing point,” Iyaghigba stated. “I assure the public that all efforts will be made to ensure the safety of those involved and to gather accurate information.”
He has instructed boat operators and their union to assist with ongoing rescue operations, and further details will be communicated as they become available.
As of the latest updates, rescue operations remain active, and authorities have yet to finalize the number of individuals on board the boat or confirm how many remain missing.
