The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of 20 people and the rescue of 11 others following a tragic boat accident on the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA).
The mishap occurred on Saturday night when a wooden canoe transporting traders capsized after hitting a submerged tree midway across the river. The traders were returning to Odenyi in Nasarawa State after concluding their business at the Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA.
Witnesses reported that the canoe was overloaded, and passengers, eager to return home despite the late hour, disregarded warnings to disembark. The incident happened around 8 p.m., adding to the challenges of the rescue efforts.
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Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, confirmed the grim toll. “We can confirm that 20 bodies have been recovered from the river, while 11 people were rescued alive,” she stated, adding that rescue operations are still underway.
The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about safety on Nigeria’s waterways, particularly in rural areas where overloaded boats and poor safety measures are common. Authorities have urged caution and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent future incidents.
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