WATCH THE VIDEO HERE TWENTY people, mostly women and children, are feared dead yesterday following a boat accident on the River Benue near Ocholonya in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. The victims were reportedly returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized. Adanyi Adanu, a community leader from Ocholonya, confirmed the tragic incident to journalists. “Yesterday was market day in Ocholonya, and the boat was carrying women and children back to Odenyi-Doma in Nasarawa State when it capsized, leading to everyone drowning,” he stated. The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, also confirmed the incident today, revealing that the victims were traders from the Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State. “I have been informed about the mishap, and reports suggest that over 20 people may have died. Local divers say they have recovered bodies, but I am awaiting an official update to confirm the exact number,” James said. He added that efforts are being made to coordinate with officials from Nasarawa State to support the affected families and revealed that the Nigerian Navy has been contacted for assistance in rescue operations. However, conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties emerged as some sources indicated that 20 bodies had been recovered, while others suggested that several individuals remain missing.
BENUE: 20 feared dead in boat mishap
