A boat mishap on Saturday has claimed about 20 lives in the River Benue.
Reports indicate that the boat capsized while passengers were crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA, Nasarawa State, following their activities at the Ocholonya market.
Eyewitness Fada Awatsu recounted the incident, stating, “The wooden boat was loaded with goods and passengers from Ocholonya market. It was overloaded, and shortly after takeoff, there was an uproar among the passengers, and the boat eventually tumbled and sank into the water.”
The victims were reportedly from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, and Odadu in Doma LGA. Other sources indicated that most of the victims were women and children returning from the market.
As of now, 19 bodies have been recovered, and rescue efforts are ongoing to retrieve others.
Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the tragic incident.
He explained, “The victims were returning from Ocholonya market to their village in nearby Nasarawa State. The view of the sailor was obstructed by shrubs in the river, and when the canoe hit the trees, it crashed and capsized.”
Hon. Ejeh confirmed that over 20 bodies had been recovered, and rescue operations were still underway.
He also stated that officials from the council would be sent to console the families of the deceased.
At the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, had yet to confirm the incident.
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