The death toll from a boat accident on the Buruku River in Benue State, Nigeria, has risen to four, including a clergy member identified as Rev. Fr. Moses Tsuagh. The incident occurred on Saturday, and an update was provided on Sunday by the Information Officer for the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Tema Ager. According to Ager, the boat was carrying over 200 people, including members of the Okada riders' association and other individuals.
The boat, which was traveling from a burial ceremony in Gboko LGA, had 138 members of the Okada riders' association on board, along with other mourners and people picked up at the waterside. Each of the 32 okada riders carried three people, making a total of 138, plus additional passengers. The SEMA Information Officer stated that 38 motorcycles were still underwater, and an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
On Sunday, Tema Ager provided an update on the incident, stating that four dead bodies had been recovered, including Rev. Fr. Moses Tsuagh. Nine people were still missing, and efforts were being made to locate them. The state government has taken action, suspending the Buruku crossing point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime and directing the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved.
The state Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the scene and directed the immediate suspension of the line operator. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures on waterways in the region. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The victims were reportedly returning from a burial ceremony in Gboko LGA when the boat capsized. The incident has caused concern among local communities, and the state government has assured that measures will be taken to prevent such accidents. The SEMA Information Officer stated that he was at the scene of the incident, providing an update on the situation.
The Nigeria Union of Maritime has been suspended at the Buruku crossing point, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The state government has expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and assured that efforts are being made to locate the missing persons. The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures on waterways.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency is working to provide support to the families of the victims and those affected by the incident. The agency has confirmed that 38 motorcycles were still underwater and that efforts were being made to recover them. The incident has caused significant concern in the region, and authorities are working to prevent similar incidents.
Key points
- Four people have been confirmed dead, including a clergy member, and nine people are still missing.
- The boat was carrying over 200 people, including members of the Okada riders' association and other individuals.
- The state government has suspended the Buruku crossing point branch of the Nigeria Union of Maritime and directed the arrest and detention of the boat skipper involved.
