Search and recovery operations are ongoing following a tragic boat accident at the Buruku Crossing Point on the River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, where an overloaded wooden boat carrying passengers and motorcycles capsized while crossing the river.
According to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue SEMA), emergency responders, local divers, volunteers and community leaders have remained at the scene since the incident, working to locate those still missing and recover submerged property. The agency disclosed that several passengers were rescued after the accident, while fatalities were also recorded. Rescue teams continue combing the river as authorities work to account for everyone who was on board.
The boat was reportedly overloaded and was conveying passengers, many of them returning from a funeral, along with a significant number of motorcycles when it capsized. Recovery efforts have so far retrieved some of the submerged motorcycles, though many remain in the river.
Following the tragedy, the Buruku Local Government Council announced that the use of life jackets is now compulsory for all passengers using boats within the area. Boat operators have also been directed to comply with passenger limits and other safety regulations to prevent future accidents.
Benue SEMA has urged residents to observe all water transport safety guidelines, avoid overloading boats and cooperate with emergency officials as investigations into the incident continue. The agency and other authorities are working to fully establish the number of people involved and ensure that appropriate safety measures are enforced across the state’s waterways.
