At least 20 people were reportedly killed after a boat capsized on the River Benue on Saturday.
According to reports, the canoe tumbled as it was crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu LGA to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State.
Daily Post quoted an eyewitness, Fada Awatsu as saying, “The wooden boat was loaded with goods and passengers after concluding their activities at Ocholonya market.
“It was overloaded and shortly after takeoff there was uproar by passengers in the boat and it eventually overturned and sank into the river.”
The passengers were from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, Odadu in Doma LGA.
Other sources said the victims were mostly women and children who were returning home from the market.
So far, 19 corpses have been recovered from the accident, while rescue efforts is ongoing to salvage others.
When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh confirmed the unfortunate incident.
He said, “the victims were returning from Ocholonya market to their village in nearby Nasarawa state.
“The view of the sailor was obstructed by shrubs in the river and when the canoe hit the trees, it crashed and capsized.”
Ejeh said over 20 bodies have been recovered and rescue operations is still ongoing.
He said he will send officials of the council to commiserate with the families of the deceased.
