Kehinde Fajobi
Tragedy struck on Saturday night as over 20 people were reportedly killed in a boat mishap while crossing the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Eyewitnesses said the victims, mostly traders and Agatu indigenes from Nasarawa State, were returning home after attending the Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA.
Narrating the incident, a witness explained, “The victims were mainly Agatu people from Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State who came to Ocholonya market on Saturday.
“They were crossing to Odenyi in Nasarawa after the market. I was in Ijaha around 8 p.m. when I heard women crying and shouting that the boat carrying the traders to the Nasarawa side of the river sank before reaching the shore.”
The eyewitness added that the mishap was caused by overloading.
“The wooden canoe was overloaded, and despite warnings that some passengers should disembark, the pleas were ignored as they were in a hurry to return home. Midway through the journey, the canoe broke apart after hitting a tree, causing many of the passengers to drown.
“Local divers have recovered some corpses, but many are still missing. Divers are still searching for survivors and bodies. It’s a tragic weekend for Agatu people in both Benue and Nasarawa states because we are all one community,” the source said.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, saying about 20 bodies had been recovered so far. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
“The victims were mainly Agatu traders from Odadu, Rukubi, Agbashi, Ajima, and other communities in Nasarawa State.
“They had come to Ocholonya market to trade and were on their way back when the mishap occurred,” he said.
Mr Ejeh also stated that he was working closely with the Chairmen of Toto and Doma LGAs in Nasarawa State to address the tragedy.
“I have also reached out to the Nigerian Navy for assistance. So far, about 20 bodies have been recovered, and the search continues for more survivors and victims,” he added.