Boat With Over 100 Passengers Capsizes In Taraba

A boat of over 100 passengers comprising traders, women and children, heading for Binnari town in Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba state capsized mid-water at Benue river.

The incident happened on Saturday with many of the passengers said to be returning from Mayoreneyo fish market in Ardo-Kola LGA.

According to sources, the boat left Mayoreneyo local jetty at about 3.30 pm and capsized 40 minutes later.

Speaking with newsmen, a resident of Mayoreneyo, Musa Mayoreneyo, said the ill-fated boat had earlier conveyed the passengers from Binnari to Mayoreneyo.

Also, a resident of Binnari, said, “As l am talking to you now, only bodies of two persons were recovered by local divers.”None of the passengers had life jackets when the incident occurred according to a source at Mayoreneyo local jetty.

Acting chairman of inland water transporters in Taraba state, Jidda Mayoreneyo, told a journalist that about 15 bodies were recovered close to the scene.

Confirming the incident, Chairman, caretaker committee of Ardo-Kola, Alhaji Dalhatu Kawu, described it as tragic.