Farmer loses five children in Benue boat tragedy

A farmer in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State has been thrown into mourning after losing five of his six children in a boat accident on Sunday evening.

The tragic incident occurred while the man and his children were returning home from the farm where they had gone to harvest cassava. Their canoe reportedly capsized midway across the river, leaving only the father and one child alive.

Eyewitnesses said the mishap happened around the Obagaji community and attributed it to overloading. “Local divers and residents immediately launched a rescue operation, but five of the children had already drowned,” a source identified as Ameh told reporters on Monday.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, described it as “a painful tragedy” and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

He said, “The man and his six children were returning from the farm when the canoe conveying them capsized. Only the father and one of the children survived.”

Boat accidents have become frequent in Benue’s riverine areas, particularly in Agatu, Logo, and Buruku LGAs. In December 2024, 20 traders mostly women and children died in a similar incident in Agatu, while 14 mourners perished in Logo LGA the same year.

Efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as her phone rang unanswered.