A tragic boat accident on the Buruku River in Benue State has left four people dead and nine others missing, according to an updated report from the state emergency management authorities. The accident occurred when a wooden boat carrying mourners capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala in Buruku Local Government Area. The passengers were returning from a burial ceremony when the boat reportedly developed an engine problem. Earlier reports said the vessel was carrying more than 70 people and more than 30 motorcycles. The incident triggered rescue operations involving local residents and emergency personnel. Several passengers were rescued from the water. However, authorities later confirmed that four people had died while nine remained missing. The accident has raised concerns about safety on Nigeria’s waterways, particularly the use of heavily loaded boats for transporting large numbers of passengers and motorcycles. Reports indicated that the boat was heavily overloaded when the engine developed a fault. The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations on inland waterways. Stakeholders have repeatedly urged boat operators and passengers to comply with safety requirements, including passenger limits and the use of life jackets. For families of those missing, however, the priority remains the continuation of search-and-rescue operations. Authorities are expected to continue efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers while investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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