From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A farmer in Obagaji, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State has lost five children, who drowned in a boat accident.
A native in the area who identified himself simply as Ameh said the grieving farmer had gone to his farm with his six children to harvest some crops on Sunday, October 5.
Ameh, who spoke to newsmen on the phone on Monday, said, “Unfortunately, on their way back home, the small boat they were in with heavy loads capsized in the river.”
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Ameh said the rescue team made up of local divers was immediately raised but regretted that 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.
When contacted, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, did not pick her calls as at the time of this report.
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