The Digest:
At least six persons, mostly students, have died, and several others are missing after a wooden boat capsized late Monday night at the Buruku crossing in Benue State. According to eyewitness accounts reported by Vanguard, the overloaded vessel was carrying over 45 passengers and vehicles when it sank en route to Buruku. While about 35 people were rescued, six fatalities have been confirmed, with search efforts ongoing for those unaccounted for. Benue’s Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, described the incident as a painful reminder of the dangers of unregulated water transport and announced a full investigation.
Key Points:
- The tragedy directly impacts families and communities in Benue, with students comprising most of the victims.
- It highlights the recurring risks of inland water travel due to overloading and the use of unsafe wooden boats.
- Residents and frequent travelers on such routes face continued danger without enforced safety regulations.
- The incident signals systemic failure in waterway regulation and recurring neglect of safety warnings.
- Immediate response includes an official investigation, but long-term prevention remains a critical public concern.
Sources: Vanguard, Complete Sports
