At least 11 burial guests have been feared dead following a tragic boat accident in Benue State, while several others remain missing after the vessel conveying mourners capsized on a river route.
Titansloaded reports that the victims were part of a group of passengers travelling to attend a burial ceremony when the incident occurred, plunging the community into shock and grief.
The boat was reportedly ferrying mourners across the river when it suddenly capsized midway through the journey, throwing passengers into the water and triggering panic among those onboard.
Eyewitnesses said the incident happened unexpectedly, with many passengers struggling to stay afloat as the boat overturned.
Local divers and community volunteers immediately launched rescue operations, rushing to the scene in a desperate attempt to save lives and recover missing persons.
As of the time of filing this report, 11 persons were feared dead, while several others were still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Survivors were reportedly rescued and taken to nearby health facilities for urgent medical attention, while search operations continued across the river.
Residents of the area attributed the tragedy to possible overloading of the boat and poor safety standards, issues that have repeatedly been linked to similar accidents in riverine communities across Nigeria.
Boat transportation remains a major means of movement in several parts of Benue State, especially in areas where road access is limited or difficult.
However, concerns over weak enforcement of safety regulations, lack of life jackets, and poorly maintained vessels have continued to contribute to recurring fatal accidents.
Authorities in the state are expected to release an official casualty figure as rescue operations progress and more information becomes available.
The latest incident adds to a growing list of boat mishaps across Nigeria, raising fresh calls for stricter regulation of inland water transport and improved safety measures.
Community leaders have urged the government to intervene urgently to prevent further loss of lives on river routes used daily by residents.
As at the time of this report, search and rescue efforts were still ongoing, with hopes that more survivors could still be found alive.
