Several Traders and Children Remain Missing After a Boat Capsized in River Benue
Scores of traders and children are still missing in a boat which capsized in river Benue in Taraba State.
The boat was conveying over 100 passengers when it capsized on Saturday.
The passengers were returning from Mayorenayo Fish Market in Ardo Kola Local Government Area, to Binani Town in Karim Lado Local Government Area.
Chairman of the Benue state water transporters, Jiddah Mayoreneyo, said 15 bodies had so far been recovered from the river.
Chairman of the Ardo Kola Local Government caretaker committee, Dalhatu Kau, confirmed the incident.
Taraba has major rivers that form part of the tributaries of the Benue River.
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The boat capsized around 3:30 p.m.
None of the passengers was wearing a life jacket.
Fortunately, several passengers were rescued thanks to the swift response of operators of other boats traversing the river when the incident occurred.
The fact that the accident happened during daylight was pivotal in the successful rescue operation. As a result, the association has banned nighttime journeys, recognizing the inherent difficulties in conducting rescue operations after dark.
Dalhatu Kawu, the chairman of the caretaker committee of Ardo-Kola LGA, described the incident as a tragic event, emphasizing the pressing need for stricter waterway regulations to mitigate the occurrence of boat accidents.
He pointed out that many operators in the state disregard safety protocols, including providing life jackets for passengers.
Usman Abdullahi, the spokesman for the state police command, confirmed the incident but could not ascertain the precise number of passengers on the ill-fated boat.
Search and rescue efforts continue as local divers work tirelessly to locate those who are still missing, painting a grim picture of the scale of this heartrending tragedy.
