By EMMANUEL ANTSWEN

The Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area of Benue, Mr Raymond Zege, says more than 60 passengers have been rescued following a boat mishap at the Buruku crossing point.

Zege said this in a telephone interview with newsmen on Saturday in Makurdi, adding that the incident occurred when a boat ferrying passengers developed an engine fault while crossing the river at about midnight on Friday.

He said the occupants struggled to control the boat after the engine failure, while attempts were made to rescue them with other boats.

According to him, the rescue operation was complicated by strong water waves and the weight of passengers being moved to safety.

Zege said the exact number of people who might still be missing had yet to be established, as rescue personnel were still working to ascertain the number of passengers aboard the boat.

The chairman said rescue efforts were ongoing, with other boat operators mobilised to assist in the operation.

He also called for strict compliance with maritime safety regulations, particularly the use of life jackets by all passengers using the crossing.

Zege said life jackets had been provided for commuters, but some passengers often resisted wearing them, making enforcement difficult for maritime officials.

He said maritime authorities had also conducted enforcement operations at the crossing to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Denis Iyaghigba, said the state government had commenced efforts to rescue passengers involved in the incident.

Iyaghigba, in a statement on Saturday, said preliminary reports indicated that a strong water current swept the passenger boat into an abandoned barge at a corner of the river.

He said the impact caused the boat to tumble, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.

The commissioner urged members of the public, particularly families of possible passengers, to remain calm and await verified information from the authorities.

He assured the public that no effort would be spared to ensure the safety of those involved in the incident.

Iyaghigba said he had directed boat operators and their union downstream to mobilise and assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

He said further details would be communicated as the rescue operation progressed. (NAN)