Death Toll Rises to 20 as Boat Capsizes on River Benue

Tragedy struck in Benue State on Saturday when a boat carrying passengers capsized on the River Benue, claiming the lives of at least 20 people. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, stating that rescue operations were still ongoing.

Confirmed Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, revealed that 11 passengers had been rescued from the river while 20 bodies were recovered. “The incident (boat accident) is confirmed, and rescue operation is ongoing,” she said.

The victims, mostly women and children, were reportedly traveling to their homes in Apochi and Odenyi in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State after attending Ocholonya Market in Agatu LGA, Benue State, when the boat capsized.

Eyewitness Accounts

A resident of Ocholonya, identified simply as Adanyi, explained that the wooden boat was overloaded with more than 20 passengers when the accident occurred. “Yesterday was Ocholonya market day. The people, mostly women and children, were returning to their base in Nasarawa State when the boat they were traveling in capsized, and many lost their lives,” Adanyi recounted.

Melvin James, Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incident during a phone conversation on Sunday. He explained that the passengers were on their way back to communities in Nasarawa State when the accident occurred.

“It’s true there was a boat crash. The victims came to Ocholonya Market in Agatu LGA but were returning to their homes in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Nasarawa when the boat capsized,” James stated.

James also noted that conflicting reports were circulating regarding the number of casualties. “Sources claim 20 people have died, and locals say divers have recovered the bodies, but as the chairman, I must confirm this information authoritatively. I’ve been trying to contact the divers, but their lines are not connecting,” he added.

Ongoing Rescue Mission

The chairman further disclosed that he had reached out to the Nigerian Navy for assistance in the rescue operation. “I’ve informed the naval commander in our LGA to help with the rescue efforts. We’re also coordinating with officials in Nasarawa State to console the families of the victims,” James said.

As of now, locals and rescue teams continue to search for missing passengers. Witnesses have expressed concerns about safety measures on the river, urging authorities to implement stricter regulations for boat operators to prevent such tragedies in the future.