Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has sympathized with families of the victims who drowned when the boat they were travelling in sank while crossing River Benue.
The Governor described the incident as painful and unfortunate. He particularly condoled with ECAN Church, Ijaha, Makurdi Local Government Area.
The ill-fated boat was conveying mainly members of the ECAN Church Ijaha in Makurdi Local Government Area to a meeting across the river when it sank.
Ortom said marine police personnel were immediately deployed to the area, assisted by local divers in rescuing the victims.
The Governor urged members of Kwaghter community, where the incident took place, to cooperate with the rescue team to enable them to find the missing persons.
He reminded Benue people about this year’s weather predictions on torrential rains and advised that those who travel by water should employ all safety measures to avoid unforeseen incidents.
Governor Ortom enjoined Benue residents to always observe COVID-19 prevention measures by staying away from crowded places to curb the spread of the disease.