Over 100 passengers feared dead as boat capsizes in Benue River

A boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized mid water at Benue river on Saturday. The boat was ferrying traders, women and children who were heading for Binnari town in Karim-Lamido local government area of the state.

Many of the passengers were returning from Mayoreneyo fish market in Ardo-Kola local government area.

A source explained that the boat left Mayoreneyo local jetty at about 3.30pm and capsized 40 minutes later.

He explained that the ill-fated boat had earlier conveyed passengers from Binnari to Mayoreneyo.

According to him, “As l am talking to you now, only bodies of two persons were recovered by local divers.”

He stated that none of the passengers had life jacket when the incident occurred.

Acting Chairman of Inland Water Transporters in Taraba State, Jidda Mayoreneyo, said about 15 bodies was recovered close to the scene.

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ardo-Kola, Alhaji Dalhatu Kawu, while confirming the incident, described it as tragic.

The Police spokesman in Taraba, SP Abdullahi Usman, said he was yet to receive report of the incident.