A deadly boat accident occurred on Saturday night, reportedly killing over 20 people while they were trying to cross River Benue.
An eyewitness who saw the accident but could do little to help said, “The victims were mainly Agatu people from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who came to Ocholonya market on Saturday.
“They were crossing to Odenyi in Nasarawa after the market. I was in Ijaha around 8 p.m. when I heard women crying and shouting that the boat carrying the traders to the Nasarawa side of the river sank before reaching the shore.
“The wooden canoe was overloaded, and despite warnings that some passengers should disembark, the pleas were ignored as they were in a hurry to return home. Midway through the journey, the canoe broke apart after hitting a tree, causing many of the passengers to drown.
“Local divers have recovered some corpses, but many are still missing. Divers are still searching for survivors and bodies. It’s a tragic weekend for Agatu people in both Benue and Nasarawa states because we are all one community.”
Although rescue efforts are in process, over 20 floating corpses have been retrieved from the river, as disclosed by Melvin Ejeh, the local government chairman of Agatu LGA.
Melvin said, “The victims were mainly Agatu traders from Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, Ajima, and other communities in Nasarawa State. They had come to Ocholonya Market to trade and were on their way back when the mishap occurred.
“I have been in contact with the Chairmen of Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State, and we are working together on this matter. I have also reached out to the Nigerian Navy for assistance. So far, about 20 bodies have been recovered, and the search continues for more survivors and victims.”
NaijaEyes gathers that the state police command is yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
Our prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in the boat accident.
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