A tragic boat accident in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State has claimed the lives of five children from the same family. The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Obagaji, the headquarters of the local government.
Eyewitnesses said the children were in a small boat with their father when it capsized while crossing a body of water in the area. The boat, believed to be overloaded, lost balance and overturned, plunging all six passengers into the river.
Local divers and residents quickly rushed to the scene to rescue the victims. While the father survived, all five children drowned before help could reach them.
The bodies of the children were later recovered and confirmed dead at the scene. Their names and ages had not been officially released as of press time, but sources said they were all under the age of 15.
The incident has plunged the Obagaji community into deep mourning. Residents gathered at the family’s residence to console the bereaved father, who was said to be inconsolable after the loss of his children.
“This is one of the saddest things we’ve ever seen in this community,” said one resident. “We are heartbroken.”
Following the tragedy, community members and local leaders have renewed calls for better enforcement of safety regulations on the waterways, particularly during the rainy season when water levels are high and conditions can be dangerous.
They urged local authorities to ensure that only properly fitted boats are allowed to operate and that no boat is allowed to carry passengers beyond its capacity.
Residents also appealed for the deployment of safety officers and the provision of life jackets in riverine areas like Agatu, where water transport remains a key means of movement for many locals.
Boat mishaps remain a frequent danger in many parts of Nigeria, especially in riverine communities where poor safety standards and lack of regulation are common. Overloading, bad weather, and the use of unsafe vessels often contribute to deadly accidents.
As the Agatu community continues to mourn, residents hope the latest tragedy will prompt urgent government action to improve safety and prevent further loss of lives on the waterways.
