Several people remain missing after a wooden boat overloaded with mourners and motorcycles capsized while crossing the River Katsina-Ala at the Buruku crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on October 3, 2026. The boat was ferrying more than 70 passengers, most of them mourners from Mbayon in neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area, who were returning from a burial ceremony on the Logo side of the river. Over 30 motorcycles were also on board.
Eyewitnesses and local officials said the vessel’s engine failed midway across the river. Panic set in among many passengers unfamiliar with navigating the water. Strong waves and the heavy load contributed to the boat overturning before a rescue vessel could reach it. Preliminary reports from state authorities indicated that a strong current may have swept the boat into an abandoned barge at a bend in the river.
Buruku Local Government Chairman Raymond Zege confirmed the mishap. “They are people from Gboko LG; they went for a burial to cross to the other side, but on their way back they overloaded the boat and the engine failed. Most of them are not conversant with the water, so they panicked and struggled,” he told journalists.
Zege said more than 60 to 70 passengers had been rescued, but about six people were still unaccounted for as of Saturday afternoon. Search and rescue operations were ongoing. One maritime worker at the crossing reported seven missing as of 2:30 p.m.
Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy Denis Ter Iyaghigba said the ministry had mobilised boat operators and their union downstream to support the rescue effort. He urged families to remain calm and await verified information from authorities.
Officials expressed concern over repeated safety lapses at the busy crossing, including overloading and the failure of many passengers to wear life jackets despite their availability. The Buruku crossing on the River Katsina-Ala has a long history of boat accidents, prompting ongoing calls for improved infrastructure, including a permanent bridge.
Rescue efforts continued into the evening as divers and local volunteers combed the river for those still missing.
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