From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
At least 18 passengers aboard the Benue State transport company bus, Benue Links, narrowly escaped death after being rescued unhurt when the boat ferrying their vehicle across River Buruku capsized on Wednesday.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred at the River Buruku crossing point, a transit route in Benue State linking travelers heading towards the North-East or South of Nigeria.
The bus, fully loaded with passengers, had boarded a local wooden boat to cross into Logo Local Government Area (LGA). However, midway into the journey, the boat began to sink, eventually capsizing the bus into the river before anyone could react.
A witness, speaking to newsmen, credited the swift response of maritime workers, boat operators, and local fishermen for saving the day, as they worked together to rescue all the passengers alive.
The Acting General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, could not be reached for comment on the incident at the time of filing this report.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating, “The incident is confirmed, but no lives were lost, and the vehicle that sank has been removed from the water this morning (Wednesday).”