Five bodies have been recovered while six others are still missing following Saturday’s boat mishap at the Buriku crossing of the River Benue in Buriku Local Government Area of Benue State.
The wooden boat was carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony across the River Benue when it capsized on Saturday morning.
More than 120 passengers were rescued following the incident, while 11 others were initially reported missing. Five bodies have since been recovered, while the search for the remaining victims continues.
Saai Oryina, the spokesman of the Tombo Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (TMWUN), stated on Sunday, “Five bodies already recovered were people from Mbayion area of Gboko LGA of Benue state.”
According to him, rescuers initially believed that seven people were missing, but the number later rose to 11. He assured that efforts were ongoing to locate the remaining victims.
The spokesman attributed some of the challenges associated with water transportation in the state to passengers’ refusal to wear life jackets despite the risks associated with boat travel.