From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Four additional bodies of passengers of a boat that capsized on Saturday in River Benue, were recovered on Monday the Benue State police command has confirmed in Makurdi, the State capital.
The ill-fated wooden boat was conveying several goods and passengers returning from Ocholonya market in Agatu local government area of Benue State to Udei in Nasarawa Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State after closed of market, when it capsized shortly after taken off.
The Benue State command police public relations officer, SP Catherine Anene said in a statement in Makurdi on Monday, that eleven (11) persons were rescued unhurt.
According to her, 10 persons were earlier rescued unconscious and eight others who were resuscitated are responding to treatment, while two have been confirmed dead and deposited at the mortuary.
“We can confirm a total dead of six persons and 3 still missing as at 4pm, 16th December 2024.
“Four more corpses were recovered today while 3 persons still missing”, Anene said.
Recalled that over 20 people were reportedly killed with so many others missing after a tragic boat accident occurred on the River Benue, Saturday.
Our Correspondent learnt that the victims were not wearing life jackets, which further increased the fatalities.
An eyewitness who identified himself as Fada Awatsu, told journalists in Makurdi, that the mishap was caused by excessive load.
He added that shortly after it took off , there was uproar by passengers in the boat and it eventually tumbled and sank
He said the affected victims were mostly market women and children from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, Odadu in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State and were returning home from the market.
Awatsu disclosed that, as at this morning, Sunday, 20 corpses have been recovered so far , while efforts are being intensify to rescue other survivors.
When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government council, Melvin Ejeh confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate and very pathetic.
He said, “the victims were returning from Ocholonya market to their village in nearby Nasarawa state where the boat in which they were traveling sank.
“The view of the sailor was obstructed by shrubs in the river and when the canoe hit the trees, it crashed and capsized.
“So far, over 20 dead bodies have been recovered and rescue operations is still ongoing.
“I am working on how to send officials of the council to commiserate with the families of the deceased.” He said
