A tragic boat accident on River Benue has left 20 people dead and 11 rescued, the Benue State Police Command has confirmed.
The incident took place on Saturday night in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) when a wooden canoe, overloaded with traders returning to Odenyi in Nasarawa State, collided with a tree and capsized mid-journey.
The victims had just concluded trading at Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA and set off around 8 p.m. Despite warnings about the canoe’s capacity, passengers refused to disembark, eager to reach home.
Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, reported that 20 bodies have been recovered from the river, while rescue operations continue with 11 survivors found so far.
