December 15, 2024
By Idris Buba
It was sad weekend for the people in boundary communities between Benue and Nasarawa states when on saturday night boat mishap reportedly claimed over 20 people in River Benue, in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Most of the victims were traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State who were crossing the river home after trading at Ocholonya market in Agatu.
According to an eyewitness, “The victims were mainly Agatu people from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who came to Ocholonya market on Saturday.
“They were crossing from Agatu 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, many are still missing and divers are still searching for survivors and bodies.
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Meanwhile, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, who confirmed incent, said about 20 corpses had been recovered while rescue efforts continued
“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.
While describing it as a tragic weekend for the people Ejeh said “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.
The Benue State police Command was yet to issued an official statement on the incident.
