Boat Mishap Kills 20 Traders and Children in Benue
A tragic boat mishap on the River Benue has claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including women and children, in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The victims were traders returning to Nasarawa State after attending the Ocholonya market in Agatu.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, Ameh, disclosed that the wooden boat was overloaded with goods and passengers, despite warnings for some to wait for a second trip. “The canoe was overloaded, and at the middle of the river, it hit a tree and broke into pieces, leading to the deaths of over 20 passengers,” Ameh recounted during a phone conversation.
The mishap occurred around 8 pm, with local divers immediately launching a rescue operation. So far, over 20 bodies have been recovered, and several passengers remain missing.
Local Government Confirmation
Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incident and the ongoing recovery efforts. He attributed the accident to poor visibility caused by shrubs in the river, which obstructed the sailor’s view, leading the boat to collide with a submerged tree.
Ejeh described the incident as a major tragedy, stating that most of the victims were Agatu traders from communities such as Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, and Ajima in Nasarawa State, who frequently trade at Ocholonya Market.
Police Response
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful as her phone line was unreachable as of press time.
Rescue operations by local divers are ongoing as authorities work to account for all missing passengers.
