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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
A farmer in Obagaji, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State has lost five of his children in a boat mishap.
A former Vice Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Anthony Ikwulono said the farmer had gone to the farm with his six children to harvest some crops last weekend when their boat capsized on their was back.
Our correspondent gathered that the small boat which was conveying them also had heavy loads on it making it to capsize in the river.
Ikwulono said the children have been buried on Saturday, October 5 2025.
Earlier, a local who identified himself as Ameh told newsmen on phone that when the boat mishap took place, a rescue team made up of local divers was immediately raised to go in search of the victims.
“But unfortunately five of the children lost their lives.’
He added that the incident has thrown the Obagaji community into mourning.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Agatu local government, Melvin James said that seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized and five children died in the boat mishap.
According to him, “The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they were drowned.
“Though, the canoe was overloaded which might have caused the mishap, but the father and one of the children survived.
The council boss said that the wife was not in the canoe when the incident happened.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, James extended his condolences to the family.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Benue State Command DSP Udeme Edet could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
