Benue Boat Mishap: Five Bodies Recovered, Six Still Missing

Benue Boat Mishap: Five Bodies Recovered, Six Still Missing

Five bodies have been recovered while six people remain missing following a boat accident on the River Benue in Buriku, Benue State.

The wooden boat capsized on Saturday morning while carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony across the river. More than 120 passengers were rescued, while 11 people were initially reported missing.

Saai Oryina, spokesman for the Tombo Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, said five bodies recovered were from the Mbayion area of Gboko Local Government Area. He added that rescue teams were continuing the search for the remaining six victims.

Oryina also attributed some challenges with water transportation to passengers’ failure to wear life jackets despite the risks involved.