馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Benue boat accident leaves 11 feared dead, including pregnant woman and children
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A boat capsized on the River Benue in Makurdi, Benue State, resulting in the feared deaths of 11 people, including a pregnant woman and six children. The incident occurred on Saturday night as the victims were returning from a burial ceremony in Wadata to the Daududawadawa island community. A local source, Daniel, reported that the boat, carrying approximately 40 people, overturned in the middle of the river between 7 PM and 8 PM during a downpour and windstorm. Nura Umar, Commander of the local vigilante group Operation Shara, confirmed the incident, stating that four bodies have been recovered and buried, with divers continuing the search for others. One survivor reportedly lost a baby who was strapped to her back. The state police command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, stated she had not yet received a report on the incident. This accident follows a pledge by the state government six months prior to enforce rigorous safety measures, including the mandatory use of life jackets, to address frequent boat mishaps on the state's waterways.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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