Tragedy struck in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday evening when a small boat carrying a family of seven capsized in Obagaji, the local government headquarters, killing five siblings.
In a telephone interview, a local identified himself as John, said the incident occurred when a small boat carrying a man, his wife, and their five children lost balance and sank in the water.
According to him, the man and his wife were rescued alive, but all five children drowned before help could reach them.
Another eyewitness, Ameh Ejeh, said local divers and community members immediately launched rescue efforts, but all the children rescued were confirmed dead at the scene.
The heartbreaking incident has thrown the community into mourning, as sympathisers trooped in and out of the residence of the bereaved parents to offer condolences.
Some residents who spoke to our correspondent have called on the authorities to enforce safety measures on waterways and monitor agents to checkmate the excesses of those handling boats in rural communities.
