Funeral mourners among passengers as bodies are recovered; agency demands compulsory life jackets on waterways

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) has intensified search and recovery operations for passengers reported missing following a boat mishap at the River Katsina-Ala, Buruku Crossing Point.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved 107 passengers and 38 Bajaj motorcycles, with several of those on board reportedly returning from a funeral.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Information Unit of Benue-SEMA, Tema Ager, following the agency’s on-the-spot assessment, 11 passengers were initially reported missing.

Three of the missing persons have so far been found dead, while eight others remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue the search.

The agency also disclosed that 10 of the 38 motorcycles involved in the mishap had been recovered, while efforts were ongoing to retrieve the remaining 28 motorcycles.

The tragedy has heightened concerns over safety standards on Benue’s waterways, particularly the enforcement of preventive measures capable of reducing fatalities during boat operations.

The Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, expressed deep concern over the incident and commiserated with the families of those affected.

Represented at the scene by the Head of Administration, Mr Atii Samuel Atii, the Executive Secretary called for the establishment and strict enforcement of a compulsory life-jacket law for all waterway users in the state.

He stressed that appropriate sanctions should be imposed on defaulters, noting that strict compliance with water-safety regulations could help prevent avoidable deaths.

Benue-SEMA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the affected families while working with relevant stakeholders and emergency responders to intensify the search for the missing passengers and complete recovery operations.

The incident has once again underscored the urgent need for stronger regulation, improved safety equipment and greater enforcement of waterway safety measures to protect communities that depend on river transport.