Five children have reportedly drowned after a canoe carrying them and their father capsized while they were returning home from the farm in Obagaji community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident happened on Sunday evening, while a farmer, whose name was given simply as Ameh, had gone to his farm with his six children to harvest crops.
However, while returning home, their canoe reportedly became unstable under the weight of heavy farm produce and overturned in the river.
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Witnesses said local divers immediately launched a rescue operation, but only Ameh and one of his children were found alive, while five others drowned.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, Melvin James, told journalists in Makurdi on Monday that seven people were aboard the ill-fated canoe at the time of the accident.
“The man and his six children went to the farm to harvest crops, but unfortunately, on their way home, the canoe capsized. Five of the children lost their lives, while the father and one child survived,” he said.
James attributed the tragedy to overloading, noting that the canoe was carrying more weight than it could handle.
The council chairman who described the incident as heartbreaking, extended condolences to the bereaved family and said the local authorities would work with community leaders to enhance safety on waterways.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, did not respond to calls or text put through her phone for comment on the incident.
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