No fewer than 40 persons,
including mourners and market women, were feared dead when a boat conveying
them suddenly disappeared on River Katsina-Ala at Abuku/Buruku harbour in Benue
State.
including mourners and market women, were feared dead when a boat conveying
them suddenly disappeared on River Katsina-Ala at Abuku/Buruku harbour in Benue
State.
The
incidence was said to have happened on Wednesday evening at about 7:00pm.
incidence was said to have happened on Wednesday evening at about 7:00pm.
It was gathered that the missing persons from
Gonduzua Village, in Logo Local Government Area of the state were on their way
for a burial in Buruku, a neighbouring local government area.
Gonduzua Village, in Logo Local Government Area of the state were on their way
for a burial in Buruku, a neighbouring local government area.
The
boat was also said to be conveying market women, who were closing from Ugba
Market in the same Logo local government area.
boat was also said to be conveying market women, who were closing from Ugba
Market in the same Logo local government area.
Also
on board were unconfirmed number of motorcycles and riders even as locals said
no single body had been recovered from the river at the time of filing this
report.
on board were unconfirmed number of motorcycles and riders even as locals said
no single body had been recovered from the river at the time of filing this
report.
Daily
Sun reports that this is the highest number of casualties from a boat mishap in
the area.
Sun reports that this is the highest number of casualties from a boat mishap in
the area.
It
would be recalled that in 2012, 17 persons were during when a boat conveying
them capsized while the victims were returning from a picnic in the area.
would be recalled that in 2012, 17 persons were during when a boat conveying
them capsized while the victims were returning from a picnic in the area.
Meanwhile,
Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Religious Affairs and Civil Society,
Rev. J. Aernyi (JP) has described Wednesday’s River Buruku mishap as ‘very
unfortunate’.
Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Religious Affairs and Civil Society,
Rev. J. Aernyi (JP) has described Wednesday’s River Buruku mishap as ‘very
unfortunate’.
The
Governor’s aide confirmed the incident, on Thursday, in his office, in Makurdi,
the Benue State capital.
Governor’s aide confirmed the incident, on Thursday, in his office, in Makurdi,
the Benue State capital.
Aernyi
said Nakombo told him on phone that, a boat conveying many passengers who were
attending a burial and some Bajaj motorcycles,on Wednesday evening, capsized.
said Nakombo told him on phone that, a boat conveying many passengers who were
attending a burial and some Bajaj motorcycles,on Wednesday evening, capsized.
The
Special Adviser noted with dismay the continuous loss of lives and property at
River Buruku stressing that, it was high time adequate measures were taken.
Special Adviser noted with dismay the continuous loss of lives and property at
River Buruku stressing that, it was high time adequate measures were taken.
Rev.
Aernyi appealed to the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, construct
a solid bridge at River Buruku to prevent future re-occurrence.
Aernyi appealed to the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, construct
a solid bridge at River Buruku to prevent future re-occurrence.
He
finally enjoined families who lost their loved ones in the incident to take
solace in the fact that, all mortals on earth were living on a temporary basis.
He prayed God to console them.
finally enjoined families who lost their loved ones in the incident to take
solace in the fact that, all mortals on earth were living on a temporary basis.
He prayed God to console them.
When
contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Moses Yamu, confirmed
the report, but added that 13 persons and 18 motorcycles were lost in the boat
mishap.
contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Moses Yamu, confirmed
the report, but added that 13 persons and 18 motorcycles were lost in the boat
mishap.
According
to Yamu, “13 persons and 18 motorcycles were lost in a boat mishap while
crossing river Buruku from Abuku heading to Buruku town on 24/10/28 at about
20:30hrs.
to Yamu, “13 persons and 18 motorcycles were lost in a boat mishap while
crossing river Buruku from Abuku heading to Buruku town on 24/10/28 at about
20:30hrs.
“Three
corpses have so far been recovered and deposited at the hospital meanwhile, CP.
Ene okon has ordered immediate investigation into the cause of the unfortunate
incident,” Yamu said.
corpses have so far been recovered and deposited at the hospital meanwhile, CP.
Ene okon has ordered immediate investigation into the cause of the unfortunate
incident,” Yamu said.
The Sun
