Taraba: Many Feared Dead as Boat Capsizes with Over 100 Passengers

In a devastating incident, a boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized in the middle of the Benue River in Taraba State. The ill-fated voyage took place on a Saturday, leaving many feared dead.

Among the passengers were traders, women, and children who were en route to Binnari town in the Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state, with most of them returning from the Mayoreneyo fish market in Ardo-Kola LGA.

The journey began at the Mayoreneyo local jetty around 3:30 pm but ended tragically just 40 minutes later as the boat capsized, according to sources. Musa Mayoreneyo, a resident of Mayoreneyo, revealed that the same boat had previously transported passengers from Binnari to Mayoreneyo.

A concerning detail emerged from a source at the Mayoreneyo local jetty, indicating that none of the passengers had life jackets when the disaster occurred.

Jidda Mayoreneyo, the acting chairman of inland water transporters in Taraba State, reported that approximately 15 bodies were recovered near the accident site. Unfortunately, more bodies, predominantly children, were retrieved, and local divers were tirelessly searching for additional victims.

Remarkably, several passengers were rescued by operators of other boats that were operating in the river when the incident unfolded. This fortunate turn of events was attributed to the incident occurring during daylight hours, highlighting the risks associated with nighttime journeys.

Dalhatu Kawu, the chairman of the caretaker committee of Ardo-Kola LGA, expressed his grief, deeming the event a tragic occurrence.

Usman Abdullahi, the spokesman of the state police command, confirmed the incident but could not provide an exact count of passengers aboard the ill-fated boat. Many passengers were rescued, and local divers continued their search for those still missing.

In the wake of this devastating incident, Dalhatu Kawu, the chairman of the caretaker committee of Ardo-Kola LGA, has called for stringent regulations on waterways to enhance safety and reduce the occurrence of boat accidents. He underscored that many operators in the state often neglect safety measures and fail to provide life jackets to passengers.