Overloaded wooden boat reportedly capsized in Buruku River as students were returning to school

No fewer than six students returning to school are feared dead following a tragic boat accident in Benue State.

The incident occurred in the Buruku River, located in Buruku Local Government Area, when the wooden boat conveying the students capsized mid-journey.

Eyewitnesses said the boat was heavily loaded with passengers, a factor believed to have caused the accident. A source who witnessed the incident explained that the vessel became unstable before overturning in the river.

Another eyewitness, a maritime worker who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the passengers had delayed their journey to allow politicians returning from a church thanksgiving service in Logo Local Government Area to cross the river first.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Raymond Zege Aondoakura, said security agencies had been alerted and rescue operations were ongoing at the scene.

He added that efforts were being made to recover victims and determine the full circumstances surrounding the accident.

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