(Bassengers died in the boat. Photo by The Sun Nigeria)
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that four passengers died in the boat accident on River Benue at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area.
The incident happened on October 3, 2026, when a wooden boat carrying about 138 passengers and 38 motorcycles reportedly developed engine trouble while crossing the river.
The head of the agency’s Information Unit, Tema Ager, confirmed this in a phone call on Monday in Makurdi.
He said rescue work is still ongoing, with 125 passengers rescued so far and more than nine others still missing.
Ager said authorities are not yet sure how many people were on board, and are relying on information from survivors, relatives and community leaders.
He said an estimated 138 people were believed to be involved.
He added that three passengers were said to be linked to each of the 38 motorcycles on the boat.
Divers have been sent to search for the missing and to recover submerged motorcycles and other belongings.
So far, five motorcycles have been recovered while 33 others remain at the spot as the recovery goes on.
Ager said the rescue teams are working carefully to find the missing persons and establish what led to the accident.
He said the search and investigation will continue until the status of everyone believed to be on the boat is known.
He also appealed to river users to follow water safety rules, especially wearing life jackets.
He said life jackets have been provided in the past, but some passengers often ignore them and board boats without wearing any.
He urged passengers at Buruku and other waterways to always wear life jackets and obey safety instructions to prevent avoidable deaths.
