A devastating boat accident occurred on River Benue, claiming the lives of around 20 people, mostly women and children. The victims were traders returning to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State after attending the Ocholonya market.
Key Points:
1. Location: River Benue, near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State
2. Incident: Wooden boat capsized
3. Victims: Mostly women and children, traders returning from Ocholonya market
4. Death Toll: Around 20 feared dead
5. Confirmation: Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the incident
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, stated that the boat capsized while the victims were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State. James revealed that he had contacted the Nigerian Navy commander in the LGA to assist in the rescue operation.
“It’s true that there was a boat mishap yesterday, and the people came to Ocholonya market. Ocholonya is in Agatu Local Government,” James said. “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.”
James further revealed that he was trying to establish contact with divers to confirm the actual number of bodies recovered. “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.”
The incident has left the community in shock, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.
This tragic event highlights the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place for water transportation. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. Punch
