Several people are feared missing after a wooden boat carrying more than 70 mourners and over 30 motorcycles overturned at the Buruku crossing point on the River Katsina-Ala in Benue State.
The incident happened around 11am on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as the mourners, mostly from Mbayon in Gboko Local Government Area, were returning from a burial ceremony across the river.
An eyewitness said the boat was heavily loaded before its engine developed a fault. “The boat was overloaded with many people and over 30 motorcycles, and they were coming from the Logo LGA side of the River at about 11am when the incident happened.
“Many persons have been rescued, but as we speak, I cannot tell you the actual number of persons that have not been seen or rescued from the river because the search is still ongoing. But many persons have not been seen as we speak.”
Buruku Chairman Raymond Zege confirmed the accident, saying the engine failed during the return trip before the boat hit a heavy wave and overturned. More than 60 people had been rescued, but about six were still unaccounted for.
“The victims were mourners from Gboko who went for a burial on the other side of the river.
They boarded a boat which was overloaded with over 70 persons. In the middle of the journey the engine of the boat failed, and they became panicky.
“And they also ran into a heavy wave, and the boat capsized before the boat that was sent to rescue them got to them.”
Zege urged commuters to use life jackets, saying the council had provided them despite complaints from some passengers.
Benue Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, also confirmed the mishap and ordered boat operators and their union to support the rescue effort.
“I have received preliminary reports of an unfortunate boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point this morning, Saturday, 3rd October, 2026,” Iyaghigba said.
“I wish to assure members of the public, particularly families of those who may have been aboard the boat, to remain calm and await verified information from the appropriate authorities. No effort will be spared to ensure their safety.”
He added that “further details will be communicated as the rescue operation progresses.”
Rescue efforts were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
