The Taraba State Police Command has confirmed that four women died in Mayo Ranewo area of Ardo-Kola Local Government Council in the state on Wednesday evening after a boat capsized in the River Benue.
The incident which has thrown the community into mourning with many expressing sorrow over the loss, comes barely a year after similar tragedies claimed several lives in the same river.
The ill-fated boat, which was reportedly carrying over 30 passengers, set out from Mayo Ranewo and was en route to Belango in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council when the incident happened.
According to eyewitnesses, while the majority of the passengers survived, the four women could not be saved.
The incident has left the local community in mourning, with many expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
When NewsNGR contacted the Taraba State Police Command, James Lashen, the deputy spokesperson, confirmed the incident stating that they are yet to receive full details of the incident.
Lashen said, “We are aware of the incident but we are waiting for full details. You will be updated once that is done.”
A resident of the community identified as Usman Sani, who also confirmed the incident expressed sadness and stated that the victims were not market women, as initially speculated.
In October 2023, over 50 people drowned when a boat capsized on the same river while travelling to a neighbouring village in Karim-Lamido.
Following the disaster, Governor Agbu Kefas had pledged to implement stringent safety measures, including the phasing out of old boats and the enforcement of life jacket use.
However, water transporters expressed disappointment that these promises have not been fulfilled, and safety standards remain lax.