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At least 11 people, including a pregnant woman and six children, are feared dead after a boat carrying mourners capsized on the River Benue in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
The passengers were returning to the Daududawadawa island community after attending a burial when heavy rain and strong winds struck on Saturday evening, causing the boat to overturn.
According to local vigilante commander Nura Umar, more than 40 people were onboard at the time of the incident. Four bodies have been recovered and buried as of Sunday, while search and rescue efforts continue for the remaining victims.
The victims were returning from the burial of a woman from their community. In one heartbreaking account, a survivor lost her baby who was strapped to her back during the accident.
This latest tragedy has raised fresh concerns about water transport safety along River Benue. Authorities had earlier introduced stricter safety measures following previous boat mishaps in the state, but incidents continue to occur, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the affected communities, with many mourning the loss of loved ones in what should have been a solemn return from a burial ceremony.
