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Boat Mishap Claims Six Lives in Benue, Others Missing
At least six persons, most of them students returning to school, have been confirmed dead following a tragic boat accident at the Buruku crossing in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
Several other passengers remain unaccounted for after the wooden boat, which was ferrying people across the river, capsized late on Monday night. Local sources said the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. as the vessel was heading towards the Buruku end of the river.
According to eyewitness accounts, the boat was conveying both passengers and vehicles when it suddenly sank midway through the journey. Overloading was identified as a major factor in the incident, with one witness describing the mishap as entirely preventable.
“The boat is a wooden one and it was carrying passengers and cars across the river to Buruku when it suddenly went under. There were more than 45 people on board, including vehicles. It was clearly overloaded,” the eyewitness said.
He disclosed that while about 35 passengers were rescued alive, six fatalities have so far been recorded, with several others still missing. Most of the victims, he added, were students travelling back to schools in Gboko and surrounding communities.
“This is very unfortunate and could have been avoided. Every year we witness similar tragedies on this river. Authorities make promises, but nothing concrete is done to guarantee the safety of waterway users,” he lamented.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Denis Iyaghigba, said he received the news with grave concern and deep distress, describing the accident as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with unsafe and poorly regulated inland water transportation.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Lubem Gena, the commissioner extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Buruku community. He noted that preliminary findings suggest the mishap occurred during routine river transportation.
Iyaghigba disclosed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the accident, including possible safety violations, operational negligence or environmental factors.
He added that the ministry has mobilised relevant stakeholders to intensify search, rescue and recovery efforts, assuring that all passengers would be accounted for.
“We are committed to a thorough, transparent and uncompromising investigation, and appropriate sanctions will be applied to any individual or operator found culpable,” he said.
The commissioner warned that recklessness and disregard for safety regulations would no longer be tolerated, assuring that enforcement would be strengthened through regular vessel inspections, operator licensing, passenger safety education and closer monitoring of river transport activities across the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration to protecting lives and property, stressing that economic activities must never be pursued at the expense of human safety.
As of press time, efforts to reach the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Mr. Raymond Zege, proved unsuccessful. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who had promised to respond to enquiries, was also yet to do so.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.