A tragic boat accident on Buruku River in Benue State has resulted in the death of one person, with eight others reported missing. The incident occurred on Saturday around 11 am as mourners were returning from a burial ceremony in the Buruku Local Government Area. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the boat was overloaded with approximately 200 passengers and several motorcycles at the time of the mishap.

The Information Officer for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Tema Ager, confirmed the incident, stating that one individual has been confirmed dead, while three others are receiving medical treatment. The remaining passengers were rescued. The boat capsized after its engine reportedly developed a fault close to the shore, leading to a struggle among the occupants to keep it afloat.

Chairman of the Buruku LGA, Raymond Zege, provided further details about the incident, explaining that the victims were mourners from the neighbouring Gboko LGA. He noted that the boat was overloaded, which contributed to its sinking after it encountered water waves. "Most of them are not conversant with water sound and they became panic and, in the process, began to struggle," Zege said.

The chairman highlighted the challenges of enforcing safety regulations, particularly the use of life jackets among passengers. Despite efforts to provide life jackets, many commuters often refuse to wear them, citing health discomforts. This has made it difficult for maritime personnel to ensure compliance, raising concerns about passenger safety.

The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, has also addressed the situation, stating that preliminary reports suggest the boat was struck by a strong water current, which caused it to collide with an abandoned barge, leading to the capsizing. He assured the public that measures are being taken to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

An eyewitness from SEMA revealed that the boat involved was newly constructed and had been test-run just a day before the accident. The boat was carrying 32 motorcycles, with each motorcycle accommodating an average of four people, contributing to the high number of passengers onboard.

As the community mourns the loss and anxiously awaits news of the missing individuals, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of those who rely on water transport in the region. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations in maritime activities.