Eight die, many missing as boat carrying Taraba passengers capsizes in Benue

Eight persons have died while many others are missing when a boat from Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State capsized along River Benue.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, November 12, 2023, in Anyeshi village near Benue State.

It was gathered that the boat was conveying over 50 people, mostly fishermen from Ibi when the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m.

The latest mishap comes barely two weeks after a similar one in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba, where over 50 passengers lost their lives.

The Head of Local Government Administration, HOLGA, in Ibi council, Isa Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said eight bodies have been recovered.

Mohammed said the incident occurred in neighbouring Benue State but all the passengers were from Ibi council.

Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas has described the latest boat mishap as a terrible tragedy.

He condoled with the good people of Ibi and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.

Kefas said this occurrence is even more unfortunate coming on the heels of another tragic boat capsize in Karim Lamido that threw the state into mourning.

He said the government was already on top of the situation as various investigations were underway to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the boat accidents in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Kefas said he would soon personally tour the affected areas with the aim of meeting with local stakeholders in the waterways transport sectors.

He reiterated his earlier commitment to making water transport safe for passengers, noting that aqua tourism and investment is central to his overall economic agenda.

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