Twenty persons, who are mostly women and children, have been feared dead following a boat mishap on the River Benue on Saturday around Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were reportedly returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized.
A resident of Ocholonya, identified as Adanyi Adanu, a community leader, confirmed the tragic incident to journalists.
“Yesterday was Ocholonya market day, the boat was carrying women and children back to Odenyi-Doma in Nasarawa State when it capsized, and everyone drowned,” he said.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
He said that the victims were traders from Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State.
“I have been informed about the mishap, and reports indicate that over 20 people might have died. Local divers claim to have recovered bodies, but I am waiting for an authoritative update to confirm the exact number,” James said.
The chairman added that efforts are underway to coordinate with Nasarawa State officials to console the affected families as he further disclosed that the Nigerian Navy had been contacted to assist in rescue operations.
However, conflicting reports about the number of casualties persist at the time of filing this story as some sources claimed 20 bodies have been recovered, while others suggested that several people remain missing.
