A devastating boat mishap has claimed the lives of more than 20 people in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The tragic incident occurred late Saturday night on the River Benue, as traders and residents attempted to cross back to Nasarawa State after a busy market day in Ocholonya, Agatu LGA.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that most of the victims were indigenes of Agatu residing in Toto and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State. They had traveled to Ocholonya Market to trade and were on their way back to Odenyi in Nasarawa when the disaster struck.
According to an eyewitness, “The wooden canoe was overloaded despite warnings to reduce the number of passengers. The traders were eager to return home, and the pleas were ignored. Unfortunately, midway through the journey, the canoe collided with a submerged tree, broke apart, and sank before reaching the shore. The cries and chaos were overwhelming.”
The witness added that local divers sprang into action immediately, recovering several bodies while searching for survivors. “So far, many corpses have been retrieved, but others are still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but it’s a heartbreaking moment for the Agatu people on both sides of the river because we are one community.”
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that about 20 bodies have been recovered. He assured that local divers and other rescue teams are intensifying efforts to find the missing. “This is a tragic loss for our community. We are working tirelessly to assist in the rescue operation and support the affected families,” he said.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the communities in Benue and Nasarawa States, where the victims are mourned as one extended family. Meanwhile, calls have intensified for improved safety measures on local waterways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Rescue operations are still ongoing as authorities and local volunteers continue their search efforts.
