A tragic accident occurred on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Obagaji community, the local government headquarters of Agatu in Benue State, where a small boat carrying a family capsized, resulting in the death of five siblings.
The boat was transporting their parents along with the five children when it lost balance and sank in the river.
According to eyewitness accounts, the man and his wife were rescued alive, but all five children drowned before rescue teams could reach the scene. Local divers and community members promptly launched rescue operations; however, despite their efforts, all five children were confirmed dead at the scene.
The incident has elicited profound grief within the community, with residents and sympathizers visiting the bereaved family’s home to offer condolences and emotional support.
Some local residents have called on authorities to impose stricter safety regulations on waterways and to monitor boat operators in rural communities more effectively to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies in the future.
This devastating event highlights the ongoing challenges faced in riverine communities regarding water transport safety and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
