A tragic incident occurred on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Benue State, Nigeria, when a wooden boat carrying over 70 mourners and more than 30 motorcycles capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area. The incident happened around 11am at the Buruku river crossing point. The passengers, mostly from Mbayon in Gboko Local Government Area, were returning from a burial ceremony on the opposite side of the river.
Several occupants were rescued from the water, while search and rescue personnel continued efforts to locate those who remained unaccounted for as of Saturday afternoon. An eyewitness reported that the wooden boat was severely overloaded with passengers and motorcycles before its engine developed a fault during the journey. The eyewitness described the scene, stating that many persons had been rescued, but the actual number of those unaccounted for was still unknown.
Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Zege, confirmed the mishap, explaining that the passengers were mourners from Gboko who had traveled across the river for a burial ceremony. Zege said the boat was carrying more than 70 people when its engine stopped working in the middle of the return trip, causing panic among those on board. He further explained that the boat capsized after running into a heavy wave.
According to Zege, authorities had yet to determine the precise number of missing persons, although more than 60 passengers had reportedly been rescued. He stated that search and rescue operations were ongoing, with about six persons still unaccounted for. Zege urged passengers using the waterway to observe maritime safety guidelines, particularly by wearing life jackets during crossings.
The local government had supplied life jackets for people using the route, but enforcement had sometimes been difficult due to commuters' reluctance to use the safety equipment. Zege disclosed that some commuters declined to use life jackets, citing health issues or concerns about sharing equipment used by others. He emphasized that maritime officials regularly conduct enforcement operations and urged commuters to cooperate with them.
Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday. Iyaghigba said his ministry had received preliminary information about the accident and appealed to relatives of the passengers and members of the public to remain calm while rescue teams worked to establish the number of people involved.
Iyaghigba instructed boat operators and their union downstream to join the ongoing rescue operation and assured the public that no effort would be spared to ensure the safety of those affected. As of the time of filing this report, rescue operations were still underway, with authorities yet to provide a final account of the total number of people aboard the boat or the confirmed number of those still missing.
Key points
- A boat carrying over 70 mourners capsized in Benue State, Nigeria, resulting in several feared drowned.
- The incident occurred while the passengers were returning from a burial ceremony on the opposite side of the River Katsina-Ala.
- Authorities have rescued over 60 passengers, but the search for those still missing is ongoing.
