A tragic boat mishap in Makurdi, Benue State, has claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and 10 others. The incident occurred during heavy rain while the victims were returning from a burial ceremony in Wadata. The boat capsized as it crossed a river from Wadata to Daududawada community between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2026.
Details of the Incident
The Commander of a local vigilante group, Operation Shara (Sweep), in North Bank, Nura Umar, confirmed that the victims included a pregnant woman, six children, and four other adults. The group had traveled to Wadata for the burial of a woman from their community who died after being taken to a private hospital in North Bank for treatment. Umar explained that the villagers chose to return by boat because it was a shorter route than traveling by road.
Survivor's Loss
Umar further disclosed that one survivor lost her baby during the incident. “The woman had her baby strapped to her back. In the struggle to stay afloat, she lost hold of the child while trying to swim to safety. She did her best to save the baby, but the child had swallowed too much water and did not survive.”
Search and Recovery Efforts
At the time of the report, four bodies had been recovered and buried, while divers continued searching for the remaining seven victims. Over 40 passengers were on board, with 11 feared dead.
Recurring Boat Accidents
This incident echoes a previous tragedy in Kebbi State, where 14 people, mostly women, died after a boat capsized following a wedding ceremony in Yauri Local Government Area. Governor Nasir Idris described that incident as a painful tragedy. Such accidents are common in remote communities during the rainy season, often caused by overloaded and poorly maintained vessels.
