A tragic boat accident on the River Benue has reportedly claimed the lives of around 20 people, mostly women and children, near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to The PUNCH, the victims, predominantly traders, were said to be returning to their communities in Odenyi, Nasarawa Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, after attending the Ocholonya market on Saturday when the wooden boat they boarded capsized.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, said on Sunday, “It is true there was a boat mishap yesterday involving people who came to Ocholonya market.
“They were heading back to their communities in Apochi and Odenyi in Nasarawa State when the unfortunate incident occurred.”
James expressed uncertainty about the exact number of casualties, stating, “While there are conflicting reports, some locals say around 20 corpses have been recovered, but I cannot confirm this yet.
“I have contacted divers, but their lines are not reachable. I am also in touch with my counterpart in Nasarawa State to visit and console the families of the victims.”
He added that the Nigerian Navy had been contacted to assist with rescue operations.
A local resident, identified as Adanyi, described the tragedy, saying, “Saturday was the market day at Ocholonya. The victims, mostly women and children, were returning home when the boat capsized. It is heartbreaking that none of them survived.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, for additional details were unsuccessful as her line was not reachable at the time of reporting.
