A boat mishap in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State has reportedly claimed the lives of 11 people, including a pregnant woman and six children.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening while the victims were travelling across a river from Wadata to Daududawada community during a heavy rainfall.
The boat reportedly overturned after strong winds affected the journey, leaving several passengers missing.
Victims were returning from burial ceremony
Commander of the local vigilante group, Operation Shara (Sweep), in North Bank, Nura Umar, confirmed the incident.
According to him, the victims were residents of Daududawada, an island community located behind the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) Barracks in Makurdi.
Umar explained that the group had travelled to Wadata for the burial of a woman from their community who died after receiving treatment at a private hospital.
Heavy rain caused boat to capsize
The vigilante commander said the passengers decided to use the river route because it was shorter than travelling by road.
He explained that the boat was carrying more than 40 passengers when the weather suddenly changed.
According to him, heavy rain and strong winds caused the boat to capsize around 7 pm.
Rescue operations ongoing
Umar revealed that four bodies had been recovered and buried, while divers continued searching for the remaining victims.
He added that one survivor lost her baby during the tragic incident.Authorities and local residents are expected to continue rescue efforts as the search for missing passengers continues.