Tragedy as Boat Mishap Claims Five Siblings in Benue

Tragedy struck in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday evening when a boat carrying a family of seven capsized in the Obagaji River, resulting in the death of five siblings.

According to eyewitness accounts, the ill-fated boat was conveying a man, his wife, and their five children across the river when it suddenly lost balance and overturned. Locals said the couple was rescued alive by nearby fishermen, but all five children drowned before help could reach them.

A resident of the area, identified simply as John, confirmed the heartbreaking incident in a telephone conversation, describing it as a devastating loss that has thrown the entire community into mourning.

“It was a very small boat, and the current was strong. The man and his wife were lucky to be rescued, but unfortunately, all their five children died. The entire community is in shock and grief,” John said.

He added that efforts by local divers to recover the bodies took several hours before they were eventually retrieved from the river.

The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Mr. Michael Inalegwu, who visited the scene, described the incident as “a painful tragedy,” assuring that the council would support the bereaved family and take steps to improve water safety in the area.

Boat mishaps are becoming increasingly frequent in riverine communities across Benue and other parts of Nigeria, often blamed on poor safety measures, overloading, and the use of non-standard boats.

As of the time of filing this report, the bodies of the deceased children have been buried in accordance with local customs.