A middle-aged man has lost five children in a boat mishap that happened in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, on Sunday evening.

According to sources in the local government, the man and his six children were reported to be returning from the farm when the canoe conveying them capsized.

It was gathered that the family of seven had gone to the farm to harvest cassava, and on their way back, the canoe sank, but one of the children was said to have survived.

A source who simply identified himself as Ameh told journalists in a telephone chat on Monday that rescue efforts were immediately launched by local divers and community members.

He added that the incident has thrown the Obagaji community into mourning.

The Chairman of the local government, Melvin James, who confirmed the incident, said that the seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized, and five children died in the boat mishap.

He said, “The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops, but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they drowned.

“Though the canoe was overloaded, which might have caused the mishap, the father and one of the children survived.

The council chairman said that the wife was not in the canoe when the incident happened.

While describing the incident as unfortunate, James extended his condolences to the family.

Boat mishaps have been a recurring incident in Benue State, especially in coastal communities in Logo, Buruku, and Agatu LGAs.

For instance, in 2024, some mourners returning from a burial in Logo Local Government Area capsized in River Buruku, resulting in 14 deaths, while 26 passengers were rescued approximately two years ago.

Also in December 2024, another boat mishap was recorded in Agatu, with 20 traders, mostly women and children, losing their lives when a wooden boat capsized in the Benue River.

Meanwhile, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment as her phone rang out. (The PUNCH)