A devastating incident occurred on Sunday evening in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, claiming the lives of five siblings.
The boat carrying a family of seven capsized in Obagaji, the local government headquarters, resulting in the deaths of the five children.
According to eyewitnesses, the boat was overloaded when it lost balance and overturned in the water. The father, Mr. Moses Baba, was traveling with his six children when the canoe capsized midstream while returning from their farm.
Unfortunately, five of the children drowned before help could arrive. The father and one child survived the tragedy. Local divers and community members quickly launched a rescue operation, but sadly, all five children were confirmed dead at the scene. The community has been thrown into mourning, with sympathizers flocking to the bereaved family’s residence to offer condolences.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, expressed profound grief over the incident, describing it as “unfortunate, heart-wrenching, and painful.” He commended the efforts of local volunteers in the rescue and recovery operations and urged residents to adhere to safety measures when using waterways. “We need to ensure that our waterways are safe for use, and that our people adhere to safety measures when using boats,” he said.
Residents have called on the authorities to enforce safety measures on waterways, particularly during the rainy season, and to monitor agents handling boats in rural communities. This incident highlights the need for safer boats and stricter regulation of water transport in the area, as boat accidents have become a recurring tragedy in Benue State.
The community continues to mourn the loss of the five siblings, and condolences have been pouring in for the bereaved family. The chairman of Agatu Local Government Council has extended his deepest sympathies to the family, praying for God’s strength to help them cope with the irreparable loss. As one resident said, “This is one of the saddest things we’ve ever seen in this community. We are heartbroken.”
The incident has plunged the Obagaji community into deep mourning, with residents gathered at the family’s residence to console the bereaved father, who was said to be inconsolable after the loss of his children.
