20 confirmed dead in Benue boat accident

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has confirmed the death of 20 persons in a boat accident at the Buruku crossing point of River Katsina-Ala.
The accident occurred on Wednesday night.
The Governor condoled with the families of victims of the boat mishap during a visit to the scene of the accident.
The boat was said to have left Logo at 8pm but capsized on the Buruku side of the river.
Seventeen of those that died were said to belong to the Benue State Motorcycle Association.
The Chairman of the Ugonduzua branch of the Association, Felix Ikyaajime, confirmed the development.
Ortom, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Ijohor (SAN), described the boat mishap as unfortunate and painful, adding that a similar incident, in which 17 persons died, occurred at the same point five years ago.
He urged the Federal Government to build a bridge across the Buruku axis of River Katsina-Ala to prevent the loss of more lives.
Ijohor said: “Governor Ortom and his deputy, Benson Abounu, are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident.
“The Government of Benue State will ensure that the victims are given necessary support.
“Our appeal is that the Federal Government should build a bridge here at the Buruku crossing point of River Katsina-Ala to end frequent loss of lives.”
Ijohor directed that recovered bodies of the victims should be deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital at Buruku, while government would assist in the burial.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs and Civil Society, Rev. Jacob Aernyi, sympathised with the families of victims of the boat mishap.
Aernyi told newsmen that he got details of the incident on Wednesday in his office in Makurdi through the Secretary of Buruku River Workers’ Union, Samuel Nakombo.
He described the incident as very unfortunate and called for more proactive measures by the Federal Government.
The special adviser said a ship conveying more than 20 passengers and carrying some motorcycles was on sail on Wednesday evening when the ugly incident occurred.
He said over 20 passengers were still missing, while about 17 motorcycles were yet to be recovered.
Mue Ter Ichongu, Chief Terngu Iorhuna, from Logo, who spoke on behalf of the affected communities, thanked Ortom for his prompt response.
Ichongu said the residents were consoled by his visit.
Ikyaajime said the victims were going for a burial ceremony at Buruku when the boat capsized.
Three bodies and 18 motorcycles had been recovered by a rescue team, while the search for others was in progress.