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20 People Reported Dead In Benue Boat Disaster

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At least 20 people, predominantly women and children, are feared dead following a boat accident on the River Benue, which occurred on Saturday in the Ocholonya region of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State. Local officials and rescue teams are scrambling to assess the full scale of the disaster, with grief-stricken families awaiting news of their loved ones, while efforts to recover the victims continue

The victims were reportedly heading back to Doma in Nasarawa State after spending the day at the village market when their wooden boat capsized. The event has sparked widespread grief as rescue efforts continue in an attempt to locate any survivors.

The passengers, who were returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after a day at the market, found themselves in a perilous situation when the boat overturned. Adanyi Adanu, a local leader from Ocholonya, spoke to journalists, confirming the tragic event and expressing the sorrow felt by the entire community.

“Yesterday was Ocholonya market day, the boat was carrying women and children back to Odenyi-Doma in Nasarawa State when it capsized, and everyone drowned,” he said.

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin James, confirmed the incident on Sunday.

He said that the victims were traders from Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State.

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“I have been informed about the mishap, and reports indicate that over 20 people might have died. Local divers claim to have recovered bodies, but I am waiting for an authoritative update to confirm the exact number,” James said.

The chairman added that efforts are underway to coordinate with Nasarawa State officials to console the affected families as he further disclosed that the Nigerian Navy had been contacted to assist in rescue operations.

However, conflicting reports about the number of casualties persist at the time of filing this story as some sources claimed 20 bodies have been recovered, while others suggested that several people remain missing.

The Eastern Updates 

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