Tragedy struck in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday evening as a farmer lost five of his children in a boat accident.
Sources said the man and his six children were returning from their farm when their canoe capsized midway across the river.
They had gone earlier in the day to harvest cassava before the accident occurred.
A local resident identified as Ameh told reporters that the incident happened suddenly, but rescue efforts were launched immediately by local divers and community volunteers.
Despite their efforts, five of the children were confirmed dead, while one survived alongside their father.
The sad event has thrown the Obagaji community into mourning.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, confirmed the tragedy on Monday.
He explained that seven people were on board the canoe, but only two managed to survive.
He said, “The man and his six children were returning from the farm when their canoe capsized.
Unfortunately, five children drowned, while the father and one child survived.”
James noted that the canoe was overloaded, which likely caused the mishap.
He described the accident as heartbreaking and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
He also clarified that the farmer’s wife was not on the canoe when the tragedy occurred.
Boat accidents have become common in Benue State, especially in coastal areas like Logo, Buruku, and Agatu.
Several similar tragedies have been recorded in recent years.
In 2024, for instance, 14 mourners died in a boat accident in the River Buruku, while 26 others were rescued.
That same year, another crash in Agatu claimed the lives of 20 traders mostly women and children when their wooden canoe sank in the Benue River.
Residents have repeatedly called on the state and federal governments to improve safety standards and provide life jackets for travelers in riverine communities.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, SP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comments as calls to her phone went unanswered.
The post Boat Accident: Farmer Loses Five Children in Benue first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
