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At Least 20 Dead In Boat Mishap On River Benue
The victims, who had been in Ocholonya for the market day, were returning to Doma in Nasarawa State when the incident occurred.
Makurdi, Benue State- No fewer than 20 people, including women and children, lost their lives on Saturday when a boat capsized on the River Benue near the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the victims, who had been in Ocholonya for the market day, were returning to Doma in Nasarawa State when the incident occurred.
Meanwhile, a local resident, Adanyi, confirmed that over 20 people were aboard the wooden boat, with many of the victims being women and children.
Tribune reports that Melvin James, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that the victims were from Nasarawa State.
James explained, “It’s true there was a boat mishap yesterday. The victims had come to Ocholonya market, which is in Agatu LGA. When they were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State, the boat capsized.”
He added, “I’m trying to contact my colleagues in Nasarawa State to see how we can visit the families and console them.”
Regarding the number of casualties, James said, “Conflicting reports indicate that 20 people may have died, but to my knowledge, no bodies have been officially recovered. While some locals confirmed that divers have retrieved bodies, as chairman, I need to speak authoritatively. I’ve been trying to contact the divers to confirm the exact number of bodies, but their lines are not connecting. However, someone informed me that 20 bodies have been recovered and that some people are still missing.”
James also mentioned that he had contacted the Nigeria Navy commander in the local government to assist in the rescue mission.
Meanwhile , all efforts to reach Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, were unsuccessful as her phone could not be connected.
