The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) has said efforts ongoing to locate the missing passengers
following the boat mishap at the River Katsina-Ala, Buruku Crossing Point, on Saturday.
At least four dead bodies of mourners returning from funeral and other passengers were recovered after the incident.
In a statement issued by the Head of Information Unit of Benue-SEMA, Tema Ager, after the agency’s on spot assessment of the incident, stated that, “According to information obtained during the assessment, 107 passengers and 38 Bajaj motorcycles were involved in the boat capsize. Eleven persons were reported missing, out of whom three have so far been found dead, while eight remain missing. Ten of the 38 motorcycles have been recovered, with efforts ongoing to recover the remaining 28 motorcycles and locate the missing persons”
The Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir-James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, commiserated with the families of the affected persons and expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident.
The Executive Secretary was represented at the scene by the Head of Administration, Mr. Atii Samuel Atii, called for the establishment and strict enforcement of a compulsory life-jacket law for all persons using waterways in the state, with appropriate sanctions for defaulters, stressing that such measures would help prevent avoidable loss of lives.
SEMA however reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the affected families and working with relevant stakeholders as search and recovery operations continue.
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