Tragedy in Benue: Farmer Loses Five Children in Agatu Boat Mishap

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A tragic boat mishap has claimed the lives of five children belonging to a farmer in Obagaji, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to a former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, Anthony Ikwulono, the farmer had gone to the farm with his six children last weekend to harvest crops when their boat capsized on their way back home.

Findings revealed that the small boat was heavily loaded with farm produce, which caused it to overturn in the river.

Ikwulono disclosed that the deceased children were buried on Saturday, October 5, 2025.

A local resident, identified as Ameh, told newsmen via telephone that a rescue team comprising local divers was immediately mobilized after the mishap, but five of the children were later confirmed dead.

“The incident has thrown the entire Obagaji community into mourning,” Ameh said.

Confirming the tragedy, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, stated that seven persons were on board the canoe when it capsized, resulting in the death of five children.

He explained that “the man and his six children went to the farm to harvest crops, but on their way back, the canoe capsized due to overloading. Unfortunately, five of the children drowned, while the father and one child survived.”

James noted that the farmer’s wife was not in the canoe when the incident occurred and described the mishap as deeply unfortunate, extending his condolences to the bereaved family.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.