By Charles Igwe
Tragedy struck in Taraba State as 69 individuals remain missing following a devastating boat mishap that occurred during a journey across River Benue in the Karim Lamido local government area. The ill-fated boat was en route from Mayorenewo fish market to Binnari town when the incident unfolded. An update from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on various social media platforms disclosed that a total of 104 passengers were onboard the motorized boat, comprising 42 men, 45 women, and 17 children.
NEMA’s report stated, “Search and rescue operations were promptly initiated. Out of the 104 passengers, fourteen individuals were successfully rescued, while twenty-one deceased bodies have been recovered. Regrettably, sixty-nine people are still unaccounted for.”
The search and rescue operations have now been concluded, and an arrangement has been reached with local divers to maintain vigilance in the area.
On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, alongside other stakeholders, visited the site of the tragic incident.
