At least 20 people are feared dead following a boat accident on the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Saturday night.
Sources say the victims, mostly traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State, were returning home after attending the Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA.
An eyewitness described the harrowing scene: “The victims were mainly Agatu people from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who came to trade at Ocholonya market. Around 8 p.m., as they were crossing to Odenyi in Nasarawa State, the wooden canoe they boarded sank. Women were crying and shouting that the boat broke apart after hitting a tree.”
The eyewitness further revealed that the canoe was overloaded despite warnings. “The passengers refused to disembark because they were in a hurry to get home. Midway through the journey, the canoe struck a submerged tree, broke apart, and many passengers drowned.”
Local divers have recovered some bodies, while others remain missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the community is in mourning.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that about 20 corpses had been retrieved so far.
“The victims were mostly Agatu traders from Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, Ajima, and other communities in Nasarawa State,” Ejeh said. “They had come to Ocholonya market to trade and were returning when the mishap occurred. I am in contact with the Chairmen of Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State, and we are collaborating on rescue efforts. We have also reached out to the Nigerian Navy for assistance.”
The chairman assured the public that rescue operations would continue, adding, “So far, about 20 bodies have been recovered, and the search continues for more victims and survivors.”
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful. At the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the tragedy.
This unfortunate incident has cast a dark shadow over the weekend, leaving the Agatu communities in both Benue and Nasarawa states in deep sorrow.
