By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Police Command has confirmed the death of 20 following a fatal boat mishap on the River Benue in Agatu LGA.
11 persons were reportedly rescued alive in the incident which occurred last Saturday when a wooden canoe, overloaded with traders traveling to Odeni in Nasarawa State, capsized after colliding with a submerged tree.
A source from Agatu who preferred anonymity told National Record that the canoe departed around 8pm and despite warnings about the dangers of traveling late and overloading, passengers insisted on proceeding to their destinations.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police Sewuese Anene, confirmed the details on Monday.
According to her, rescue operations have so far recovered 20 bodies, while 11 individuals were rescued alive.
“Eleven persons were rescued unhurt. Initially, ten persons were rescued unconscious; eight of them were resuscitated and are now responding to treatment, while two were confirmed dead and have been deposited at the mortuary,” Anene stated.
She further updated that four additional corpses were recovered on Monday, while three individuals remained missing.
“As of 4pm on December 16, 2024, a total of six persons have been confirmed dead, while three are still unaccounted for,” she added.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities urging travellers to prioritise safety and heed warnings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
