Boat mishap claims 5 lives in Benue

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

There was pandemonium at Obagaji, headquarters of Agatu local government area of Benue state, as a boat conveying passengers on Sunday afternoon capsized, claiming five lives in  River Benue.

It was gathered that the five victims were all children of a farmer resident who resides in Obagaji, Agatu LGA.

Locals in the area who simply gave his name as Ameh explained that the farmer had on Sunday gone to his farm together with his six children to harvest.

"Unfortunately, on their way back home, the small boat they were in with heavy loads capsized in the river," Ameh said.

While speaking to newsmen through telephone on Monday, Ameh said that  rescue team made up of local divers was immediately raised but regretted that five of the children died, a development that thrown the entire Obagaji community into mourning.

The Executive Chairman of Agatu local government, Melvin James Ejeh , confirmed the Incident.

He told journalists on phone in Makurdi on Monday that,  seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized and five  children died in the boat mishap.

 "The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they were drowned.

"Though, the canoe was overloaded which might have caused the mishap, but the  father and one of the children survived.

 "The wife of the farmer was not in the canoe when the incident happened, stressing that the situation was  unfortunate and extended his condolences to the family.

Meanwhile, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached for comment as at the time of filing this report.