20 Killed In River Benue Boat Accident

Over 20 people, mostly women and children have reportedly drowned in River Benue after a wooden boat capsized near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday.

The victims said to be traders were returning to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State after attending Ocholonya market when the unfortunate incident occurred.

The incident was confirmed by the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin James. He said, “It’s true that there was a boat mishap yesterday, and the people came to Ocholonya market. Ocholonya is in Agatu Local Government.

“What I learnt is that when they were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State, the boat they were travelling in capsized.”

“I am trying to get my colleague from Nasarawa State to see how we can visit the families and console them. Conflicting reports suggest that 20 people have died, but no recovery of the corpses to my knowledge.

“Locals confirmed that divers have recovered corpses, but as chairman, I must speak authoritatively. I want to establish contact with divers to confirm the actual number of bodies recovered, but their lines were not connecting.

“However, one source told me that 20 corpses have been recovered, and some people are still missing.”

He further revealed that he had contacted the Nigerian Navy commander in the LGA to assist in the rescue operation.

Police in Benue State is yet to issue a statement in respect to the development