Nigeria, Oct. 4 -- Six people have died after a boat carrying mourners capsized on the Buruku River in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, months after the state government introduced stricter safety measures for water transport.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday, and iinvolved more than 70 people returning from a burial ceremony.

Raymond Zege, chairman of Buruku Local Government, confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday, saying the mourners were from neighbouring Gboko Local Government Area.

Mr Zege said the boat's engine failed, causing passengers to struggle to keep the vessel afloat.

He said another boat attempted to rescue them, but the vessel carrying the mourners encountered strong waves and ove...