Over 20 Reported Dead in Boat Accident on River Benue
On Saturday night, more than 20 individuals were reportedly killed in a boat accident while attempting to cross the River Benue in the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Angel Babaorobo, a skit maker, shared, “I sold wristwatches, worked as a motorcycle taxi driver, and drove a tricycle; now I have fame but no money.”
According to local sources, most of the victims were traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State returning home after selling their goods at the Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA. An eyewitness recounted, “The victims were primarily Agatu residents from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who had visited the Ocholonya market on Saturday. They were crossing to Odenyi in Nasarawa after the market. Around 8 p.m., while I was in Ijaha, I heard women crying and shouting that the boat carrying the traders sank before reaching the shore.
The wooden canoe was overloaded, and despite warnings for some passengers to disembark, they ignored the pleas in their haste to return home. Midway through the journey, the canoe broke apart after hitting a tree, leading to many passengers drowning. Local divers have recovered some bodies, but many remain missing. The search for survivors and bodies is ongoing. It’s a tragic weekend for the Agatu community in both Benue and Nasarawa states, as we are all one community.”
Confirming the incident, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, stated that around 20 bodies have been recovered so far, with rescue efforts still in progress. He mentioned, “The victims were mainly Agatu traders from Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, Ajima, and other communities in Nasarawa State. They had come to the Ocholonya market to trade and were on their way back when the accident happened.
“I have been in touch with the Chairmen of Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State, and we are collaborating on this issue. I have also contacted the Nigerian Navy for assistance. So far, about 20 bodies have been recovered, and the search continues for more survivors and victims.”
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, and the State Command had not released an official statement regarding the incident at the time of this report.
