Tragic River Mishap Claims Lives of Six Benue Students
A devastating boat accident at the Buruku crossing point in Benue State has resulted in the tragic drowning of at least six students who were returning to their educational institutions. The incident, which occurred on the night of Sunday, January 18, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about water transportation safety.
Details of the Fatal Crossing
According to multiple witnesses, the ill-fated wooden boat was transporting passengers across the River Benue from the Logo Local Government Area axis toward Buruku when it capsized midway through the journey. The vessel was carrying a significant number of passengers, including the students who tragically lost their lives in the mishap.
A maritime worker at the crossing point, who requested anonymity, revealed to Daily Trust that the passengers had been waiting throughout the day for politicians attending church activities in the Logo area to be ferried across the river first. "The people who travelled in the ill-fated boat waited for long at the crossing point because they were asked to be patient for all the heavyweight politicians who were returning from a church thanksgiving service," the worker explained.
Overloading and Rescue Efforts
Witnesses have pointed to severe overloading as a primary cause of the accident. One observer noted that the wooden boat was carrying over 45 people along with vehicles when it suddenly sank. "It was simply overloaded," the witness emphasized, highlighting the dangerous conditions that led to the tragedy.
Rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident occurred. Five bodies have been recovered from the river, while one student remains missing as search parties continue to comb the waters for the victim. Most other passengers were reportedly rescued, but the six students could not be saved.
Victims' Background and Community Impact
Pastor Jethro Moor, a relative of the victims, identified the deceased as students returning to school in Gboko. He explained that they were all from Gbeji in Ukum Local Government Area and were traveling back to their educational institution with food items packed in two vehicles that were also aboard the boat.
"The accident happened because of excessive load," Moor stated. "Two vehicles loaded with food items and over 20 passengers were onboard the boat when it occurred. You know a bridge construction is ongoing on the river, so the way boat drivers now tailor their sail appears narrow, such that the weight of the boat could not float properly on the water."
Official Responses and Investigations
Raymond Aondoakura, Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, confirmed that police are handling the matter and that rescue teams continue to search the river. When questioned about the number of fatalities, the chairman responded, "Once the police conclude their investigation, you can call me," before declining to answer further questions.
Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dennis Iyaghigba, expressed "grave concern and deep distress" upon receiving news of the incident. In a statement issued through his media aide, Lubem Gena, the commissioner described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe and unregulated inland water transportation.
Iyaghigba extended his sympathy to the families of the victims and the Buruku community while disclosing that a full-scale investigation has been launched. "Preliminary reports indicate that the mishap occurred in the course of routine river transportation," he stated, adding that the investigation will determine both immediate and remote causes, including possible violations of safety regulations, operational negligence, or environmental factors.
The tragic incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about water transportation safety in Nigeria's riverine communities, particularly regarding overcrowding, regulatory enforcement, and infrastructure challenges during bridge construction projects.
