20 Feared Dead In River Benue Boat Crash

According to reports, a boat capsized in the River Benue on Saturday, killing at least twenty people.

DAILY POST gathered that their canoe tumbled as they were crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu LGA to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State after their activities at Ocholonya market.

An eyewitness, Fada Awatsu, said, “The wooden boat was loaded with goods and passengers from Ocholonya market.

“It was overloaded, and shortly after takeoff there was an uproar by passengers in the boat, and it eventually tumbled and lowered into the water.”

They were from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, and Odadu in Doma LGA.

Sources said the victims were mostly women and children who were returning home from the market.

So far, 19 corpses have been recovered from the accident, while rescue efforts are ongoing to salvage others.

When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the unfortunate incident.

He said, “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 said over 20 bodies have been recovered and rescue operations are still ongoing.

He said he will send officials of the council to commiserate with the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, repeated phone calls to the Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, SP, Catherine Anene, to confirm the incident were not answered.