The Benue State Police Command confirmed on Sunday that 20 passengers lost their lives in a boat accident on River Benue that occurred last Saturday.
According to the police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, 11 survivors have been rescued, while 20 bodies have been recovered. She added that rescue operations are still underway to locate any remaining victims.
In a brief statement, Anene said: “The incident (boat accident) has been confirmed, and rescue operations are ongoing. Eleven people were rescued, while 20 bodies have been recovered.”
NASIIE MEDIA has learned that the victims of the boat accident were returning to their homes in Apochi and Odenyi in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State after leaving the Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA, Benue State, on Saturday. The boat they were traveling in capsized during the journey.
A resident of Ocholonya, who identified himself only as Adanyi, shared with our correspondent that the boat was carrying more than 20 people, mostly women and children, when the tragedy occurred.
He explained, “Yesterday (Saturday) was the Ocholonya market day, which is located in Agatu LGA. The victims, mostly women and children, were returning to their homes in Odenyi, Nasarawa State, when the boat capsized, leading to the tragic loss of all lives aboard.”
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, also confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation on Sunday, stating that the victims were from Nasarawa State.
He said, “It’s true there was a boat accident yesterday, and the victims were at the Ocholonya market, which is in Agatu LGA. What I’ve learned is that while returning to their homes in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State, the boat capsized.”
He added, “I’m trying to reach my counterpart in Nasarawa to discuss how we can visit the families and offer our condolences.”
Regarding the death toll, he stated, “There are conflicting reports—some sources say 20 people died, but to my knowledge, no bodies have been officially recovered. Locals have mentioned that divers recovered some bodies, but as chairman, I need to confirm this. I’ve been trying to contact the divers, but their phones aren’t connecting. One source claims 20 bodies have been recovered, though some people are still missing.”
The chairman also noted that he had informed the Commander of the Nigerian Navy in the area to assist with the ongoing rescue efforts.
