Boat Mishap In River Benue Claims 20 Lives
Not fewer than 20 people have reportedly died after a boat capsized in the River Benue on Saturday.
According to reports, a wooden canoe loaded with goods and passengers capsized as they were crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu LGA of Benue State to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State after their activities at Ocholonya market.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon.Melvin Ejeh confirmed the unfortunate incident to newsmen on Sunday morning.
According to him, “the view of the sailor was obstructed by shrubs in the river and when the canoe hit the trees, it crashed and capsized ”
He said, “The victims were returning from Ocholonya market to their village in nearby Nasarawa state.
Ejeh added that over 20 bodies have been recovered and rescue operations are still ongoing.
He promised to send officials of the council to commiserate with the families of the deceased.
An eyewitness, Fada Awatsu told newsmen, “the wooden boat was loaded with goods and passengers from Ocholonya market.
“It was overloaded and shortly after takeoff there was uproar by passengers in the boat and it eventually tumbled and lowered into the water.”
They were from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, Odadu in Doma LGA.
Boat Mishap In River Benue Claims 20 Lives is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
