Ejeh noted that the accident has left both the Agatu people of Benue and Nasarawa states in mourning, describing it as a shared tragedy for the connected communities.
Benue, Nigeria – A tragic boat mishap on Saturday night has left over 20 people feared dead while crossing the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Sources in the area revealed that the victims, predominantly traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State, were returning home after attending the Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA.
An eyewitness described the incident, saying, “The victims were mainly Agatu people from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who had come to Ocholonya market. They were crossing to Odenyi in Nasarawa when the tragedy struck. The wooden canoe they boarded was overloaded, and despite warnings to offload some passengers, the pleas were ignored. Midway through the journey, the boat broke apart after hitting a submerged tree, causing many passengers to drown.”
Local divers have been combing the river to recover bodies and search for survivors. According to the eyewitness, some corpses have already been recovered, but many passengers remain missing.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, disclosed that at least 20 bodies had been recovered so far, while rescue operations continue.
He stated, “The victims were mainly Agatu traders from Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, Ajima, and other communities in Nasarawa State. They had attended the Ocholonya market and were returning home when the mishap occurred. I have been in touch with the Chairmen of Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State, and we are coordinating efforts to handle the situation. I have also contacted the Nigerian Navy for assistance.”
Ejeh noted that the accident has left both the Agatu people of Benue and Nasarawa states in mourning, describing it as a shared tragedy for the connected communities.
Rescue operations by local divers and authorities remain ongoing.
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