From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A farmer in Obagaji, Agatu Local Government, Benue State, has lost five children in a boat mishap that occurred on Sunday.
A natives of Obagaji, Ameh said the grieving farmer had gone to his farm with his six children to harvest some crops on the fateful day, October 5, 2025, when the incident occurred.
Ameh ,who spoke to newsmen on phone yesterday,said: “Unfortunately, on their way back home, the small boat they were in with heavy loads capsized in the river.”
Ameh said a 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 entire Obagaji community into mourning.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Agatu LG, Melvin James, said that seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized and five children died in the 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.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, didn’t pick her calls as at the time of filing this report.
The post Farmer loses 5 children in Benue boat mishap appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
