Three persons including a septuagenarian have been confirmed missing when a boat conveying local traders had an accident in Dampar, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to the caretaker chairman, Bala Bako, the incident occurred on Thursday when the boat hit an underwater tree resulting in the accident.
While some were rescued, three persons have not been found even as rescue operation is still ongoing, Bako confirmed.
“They were returning from the market. A good number of the passengers have been rescued but from a reliable source, about three persons were missing, a 70-year-old man and two others,” Bako disclosed.
The Nigeria Standard also learnt that the passengers were not on life jackets which are usually provided to passengers crossing the river.
According to the caretaker chairman, that is due to the inadequate number of jackets relative to passenger traffic.
“The life jackets are mostly used for those on distant journeys. So far, we have provided 100 pieces, but it is not enough.
“We have made appeals to highly placed persons in the community to assist us because government can’t do it alone,” he added.
