Eight Kill As Boat Capsizes In Taraba, Many Missing

Jalingo, Taraba State– No fewer than eight persons have died while many others are missing when a boat from Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State capsized along River Benue.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, November 12, 2023, in Anyeshi village near Benue State.

It was gathered that the boat was carrying more than 50 people, primarily fishermen from Ibi, when the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Barely two weeks after a similar incident in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba, where over 50 passengers lost their lives, this latest mishap has occurred.

Isa Mohammed, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in Ibi council, confirmed the incident, stating that eight bodies have been recovered so far.

Mohammed said the incident occurred in neighbouring Benue State but all the passengers were from Ibi council.

Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas has described the latest boat mishap as a terrible tragedy.

He condoled with the good people of Ibi and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed.

Kefas said this occurrence is even more unfortunate coming on the heels of another tragic boat capsize in Karim Lamido that threw the state into mourning.

He said the government was already on top of the situation as various investigations were underway to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the boat accidents in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Kefas said he would soon personally tour the affected areas with the aim of meeting with local stakeholders in the waterways transport sectors.

He reiterated his earlier commitment to making water transport safe for passengers, noting that aqua tourism and investment are central to his overall economic agenda.