The boat tumbled as it was crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu LGA to Odenyi in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State
By Kehinde Okeowo
About 20 passengers reportedly lost their lives on Saturday after a boat capsized in the River Benue.
The canoe tumbled as it was crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu LGA to Odenyi in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State.
TheNiche learnt the victims, who were from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, Odadu in Doma LGA, are mostly women and children who were returning home from the market.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, Hon. Melvin Ejeh said the victims went to transact business.
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He said, “the victims were returning from Ocholonya market to their village in nearby Nasarawa state.
“The view of the sailor was obstructed by shrubs in the river and when the canoe hit the trees, it crashed and capsized.”
He added that said over 20 bodies have been recovered and rescue operations is still ongoing.
He further said he will send officials of the council to commiserate with the families of the deceased.
Similarly, an eyewitness, Fada Awatsu saịd, “the wooden boat was loaded with goods and passengers from Ocholonya market.
“It was overloaded and shortly after takeoff there was uproar by passengers in the boat and it eventually tumbled and lowered into the water.”
Meanwhile, Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, SP, Catherine Anene, is yet to confirm the incident.
