The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that at least three bodies have been recovered from the boat mishap that occurred around 7pm on December 14 at the Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State.
It would be recalled that,the New Daily Post had reported that a boat ferrying traders returning from Ocholonya Market, from Agatu to Nasarawa State, capsized, leaving at least 20 people dead.
In a statement yesterday,the NEMA said about 23 people still remained unaccounted for as the search operation was still ongoing.
The NEMA said, “The victims of this unfortunate event were primarily traders from Odenyi Magaji and other communities in Nasarawa State.”
“Around 76 traders were returning home when their boat struck a submerged tree, which the operator failed to notice. The collision caused the boat to capsize, throwing all passengers into the river.”
The report stated that out of 76 alleged traders who were involved in the boat mishap, 49 have been rescued, with an additional one person who swam to safety bringing the figure of survivors to 50.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with local community members and other stakeholders working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers,” the agency added
