By Our Reporter
The Benue State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has rescued 11 persons and recovered 20 bodies from a boat accident in the Agatu Local Government Area of the state.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, stated this on Sunday that the incident took place late in the evening on Saturday.
Mr Anene noted that the rescue operation was still ongoing.
According to sources in the area, most of the victims were traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State who were returning home after trading at Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA.
Narrating the incident, an eyewitness 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.”
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, disclosed that around 20 corpses had been recovered so far, with rescue efforts ongoing.
He 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.”