events

Six Drown as Boat Capsizes in Benue’s Buruku River

Published

10 months ago

January 22, 2026

Six people, mostly students, drowned after a boat capsized at Buruku River in Benue State, prompting emergency safety measures by the government

At least six people, most of them students, have died after a boat capsized at the Buruku River crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

Also read: Osimhen Warns Man City Ahead of Crucial UCL Clash

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, and has prompted an emergency response from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to strengthen safety measures in riverine communities reliant on water transportation.

During a sympathy visit and on-the-spot assessment on Wednesday, officials outlined plans to improve the safety of lives and property at the Buruku crossing point and similar locations across the state.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba, described the incident as deeply tragic.

He said the visit was aimed at consoling the families of the victims and assessing the situation firsthand.

According to him, the joint intervention by BSEMA and the ministry followed a directive from the governor to conduct a fact-finding mission and submit a comprehensive report for immediate action.

He assured residents that concrete steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Iyaighgba added that safety protocols would be strictly enforced, including compliance with ferry operation regulations and the compulsory use of safety equipment such as life jackets.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu—represented by the Programme Manager for IDPs Operations, Mr. Orseer Gaius Zege—pledged stronger regulatory and institutional oversight to ensure ferry operators and passengers adhere to safety standards.

The District Head of Binev, Chief Dennis Nyitse Hagh, commended Governor Alia for showing solidarity with the bereaved families and taking proactive steps to protect residents who depend on river transport.

Also read: Osimhen Warns Man City Ahead of Crucial UCL Clash

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the six victims. The delegation included the Director General of the Bureau for Homeland Security, Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan; the Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe; and other government officials.

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events

Oluna’s Ifa Festival Draws Pasuma, Malaika to Owode Egba

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Oluna Ifa Festival 2026 brought Pasuma, Malaika, Ibrahim Chatta and other celebrities to Owode Egba for a two-day cultural celebration

Owode Egba in Ogun State became a centre of cultural celebration on October 30 and 31, 2026, as the families of High Chief Ayoola Adeyi Olaifa, the Olu Nla, also known as Oluna of Owode Egbaland, hosted a two-day Ifa Festival featuring prominent Fuji musicians, Nollywood personalities and traditional rulers.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The event, tagged Ifa Festival ’26, was organised around the theme of heritage, music and community, bringing together residents, visitors and entertainment personalities for two days of cultural activities and live performances.

The first day of the celebration took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, with Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Malaika leading the entertainment.

He was joined by Alhaji Saheed Bamidele, popularly known as Ife Arawe, guest artiste Olariiki and Awise Mass Kenny, also known as Eyinju Oganla.

Activities continued on Saturday, October 31, at All Saint School 1, Owode Egba, with a bigger entertainment line-up led by Fuji star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla.

Other performers included Segun Johnson and T.I Blaze, while Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta was scheduled to make a special appearance.

Yemi Olade and Kukoyi Adedoyin served as masters of ceremonies for the second day’s programme.

The festival also featured a strong traditional and royal presence. Oba Kolawole Arewa Sowemimo, the Gbadewolu 1 and Olu of Owode Egbaland, was named Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Otunba Michael Oluwole Soretire chaired the occasion.

The gathering brought together traditional leadership and contemporary entertainment, highlighting the role of cultural festivals in celebrating community identity and connecting different generations.

With Fuji performances, celebrity appearances and the presence of traditional rulers, Ifa Festival ’26 provided a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate the heritage and communal spirit of Owode Egbaland.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The organisers described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition and the identity of the community, placing Owode Egba’s cultural heritage at the centre of the two-day gathering.