Tragedy struck in Benue State after at least 11 mourners, including a pregnant woman and several children, were feared dead when a boat conveying passengers capsized while returning from a burial ceremony.
The incident, which occurred along a riverine route in the state, has thrown the affected community into mourning as rescue efforts continue to locate missing passengers and recover bodies from the water.
According to local sources, the victims were travelling back from a funeral when the overloaded wooden boat reportedly ran into difficulties and overturned, plunging dozens of passengers into the river.
Witnesses said panic erupted as the vessel capsized, with passengers struggling to stay afloat while others attempted to rescue those trapped in the water.
Community leaders and residents said a pregnant woman and several children were among those believed to have drowned in the accident.
While some passengers were rescued by local divers and fishermen who rushed to the scene, several others remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.
Survivors recounted harrowing moments following the accident, describing how strong currents and overcrowding made escape difficult for many passengers.
Emergency responders, local volunteers, and community members have launched a search-and-rescue operation in a bid to locate the missing victims.
Officials said efforts were being intensified to recover bodies and determine the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the incident.
Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure, but local reports indicate that at least 11 people are feared dead.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over safety standards on Nigeria’s inland waterways, particularly in rural communities where boats remain a primary means of transportation.
Residents expressed frustration over the recurring nature of boat accidents, citing overloading, poor maintenance of vessels, lack of life jackets, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations as major contributing factors.
Community leaders called on government authorities and relevant agencies to strengthen oversight of water transportation and ensure that operators comply with safety requirements.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief from residents, with many families anxiously awaiting news of missing loved ones.
Local authorities extended condolences to the affected families and pledged support for ongoing rescue efforts.
As search operations continue, community members have gathered along the riverbanks hoping for updates on those still missing, while prayers and mourning ceremonies have begun for victims feared lost in one of the state’s latest water transportation disasters.
The tragedy adds to a growing number of fatal boat accidents recorded across Nigeria in recent years, renewing calls for urgent reforms aimed at improving waterway safety and preventing further loss of lives.
