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Benue: 18 escape death as boat capsize in River Buruku

by News Editor December 4, 2024, 8:46 pm

Jos North Council Chairman kicks over land encroachment, warns against acts. By David Odama Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, John Kyohroh Christopher, has warned individuals and organizations constructing structures on the Council’s land to immediately desist from such. The Chairman who handed down the warning during an assessment visit to Jos North properties, ordered Pama Motors Adjacent Bauchi Junction to immediately halt further development. In a statement signed by the council Information officer, Philip Eplong, said the chairman who was in company of his Deputy Sani Garkuwa, alongside members of the Legislative Council and top government functionaries inspected properties including the Sarki Arab Primary Health Centre, Yan Doya,Yan Shanu and the old Pama motor park and Bauchi Road Clinic. The Chairman during the visit expressed disappointment with some individuals who embarked on construction in the Council’s land without consulting or seeking approval from the Local authority, noting that though there is synergy in governance, the consent of the council ought to be properly sought for. He emphasized that the land in question is the Council’s property and warned that any further development would not be tolerated. As part of the warning, the chairman also announced the closure of the Chacoal Market in Angwan Rukuba. According to him, the market will be rebuild to attract investors, retailers, and consumers, thereby boosting the council’s income. Deputy Chairman of the Council, Sani Garkuwa while speaking with the Information Unit of the Council after the visit, commended the chairman’s bold step, noting that the entire Council would support him to succeed. Garkuwa noted that the Chairman gesture is to enable government secure its properties from any form of encroachment. He urged individuals with structures on government lands to report to the council Secretariat immediately. The statement said the Council authority also had an interface with the Medical Supretendent of respective Clinics and business communities where he expressed the Council commitment to secure government properties and rehabilitate facilities and to rebuild the Market to further boost business activities. It however explained that visit by the Chairman was part of a broader effort to secure and develop the Local Government properties, boost revenue, and provide modern amenities to citizens. Adding that Christopher pledged his administration’s commitment to provide 21st-Century basic social amenities to ensure smooth and conducive business environments.

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A total number of 18 passengers traveling in Benue Links bus, the Benue State transport company, have escaped death after they were rescued unhurt on Wednesday when the boat ferrying their vehicle across River Buruku capsized.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at the River Buruku crossing point, a transit route in Benue State, linking travelers heading towards the North-East or South of Nigeria.

The bus, which was fully loaded with passengers, was said to have boarded a local wooden boat, as usual, to cross over to Logo Local Government Area, (LGA) but midway into the journey, the boat began to sink and finally topple the bus into the river.

A witness told newsmen on phone that the swift response of maritime workers, boat operators, and local fishermen saved the day as they worked together to rescue all the passengers alive.

Acting General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, could not be reached on his telephone lines over the incident at the time of filing this report.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident.

Anene said, “Incident confirmed but no life lost and vehicle that sank has been removed out of water this morning (Wednesday).”