A dark cloud descended on the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday morning after a heavily loaded wooden boat capsized along the River Katsina-Ala, leaving dozens of passengers missing and feared drowned.
​The ill-fated vessel, which was transporting over 70 mourners and carrying more than 30 motorcycles, sank during a routine crossing at the popular Buruku crossing point. The passengers were reportedly en route to attend a burial ceremony across the river when the disaster occurred around 8:30 AM.
​According to local eyewitnesses, the boat appeared severely overloaded and struggled to navigate the strong river currents shortly after departing the shore. Midway through the journey, the vessel took on water and capsized, tipping its occupants and heavy cargo into the deep river channel.
​Local divers and emergency responders immediately mobilised at the riverbanks to commence rescue operations. While a few passengers managed to swim to safety or were pulled from the water by local fishermen, scores remain unaccounted for.
​Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, stated that security personnel were swiftly dispatched to the scene to assist with search and rescue efforts.
​”We received a report of a tragic boat mishap early Saturday morning at the Buruku crossing point along River Katsina-Ala,” SP Anene stated. “Rescue teams, including our marine police units and local divers, are currently on the ground working tirelessly to recover missing persons. The exact number of casualties and survivors is yet to be fully determined, but investigation into the root cause of the incident is ongoing.”
​The Executive Chairman of Buruku Local Government Council also expressed profound sadness over the tragedy, describing it as a devastating blow to the entire community. He appealed to the Federal Government and emergency management agencies to fast-track the construction of a permanent bridge over the River Katsina-Ala crossing point to prevent further loss of life.
​The Buruku crossing point has long been a notorious flashpoint for boat accidents, with local residents frequently relying on wooden canoes and ferries to transport people, livestock, and heavy vehicles due to the absence of a connecting bridge.
​Search operations remain underway at the river, as distraught family members gather along the banks awaiting news of their loved ones.
