Four Feared Dead as Canoe Capsizes in Plateau’s Fajul River

A canoe mishap on the Fajul River in Langtang South, Plateau State, has left four passengers feared dead, sparking an urgent search-and-rescue mission.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 10, around 4 p.m., when a canoe operated by 35-year-old Nankpak Danladi capsized while transporting passengers to Wase.

Local sources confirmed that all four passengers on board drowned, though their identities have not yet been released.

Security operatives swiftly mobilised local divers to comb the river, but as of Friday, no bodies had been recovered.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate the victims and provide closure for families in the affected communities. The Fajul River is a vital crossing point for locals in the area, but residents have long raised concerns about safety during water transport, particularly in the absence of life jackets and emergency equipment.

The tragedy adds to Nigeria’s troubling record of inland waterway accidents, with many caused by overloading, lack of safety gear, and poorly maintained boats.