- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 23 persons are still missing while three bodies have been recovered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) from the tragic boat accident which occurred at Agatu Local Government Area, Benue state, last week Saturday.
NEMA disclosed this in a statement issued on its official X handle on Monday.
As reported by the agency’s North Central Office, the incident, involving 76 traders from Odenyi Magaji and other communities in Nasarawa State, occurred around 7:00pm on Saturday when the boat conveying the traders capsized after colliding with a submerged tree in the river.
Swift response by the NEMA rescue team led to the rescue of 49 passengers with one swimming to safety to bring the survivors to 50.
The statement read in part; “The North Central Zonal Office of NEMA received reports today, December 16, 2024, about a tragic boat accident that occurred in Agatu Local Government Area on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
“The incident happened at approximately 7:00 PM, shortly after the conclusion of activities at Ocholonya Market, a key economic hub attracting traders from Agatu and neighboring states, including Nasarawa State.
“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 had failed to notice.
“The collision caused the boat to capsize, throwing all passengers into the river.
“Of the passengers, 49 were rescued, and one managed to swim to safety, bringing the total number of survivors to 50.
“Unfortunately, three bodies have been recovered, and 23 individuals remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with local community members and other stakeholders working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers.
“The Navy Component Commander in the area has been contacted to provide additional support in the search efforts.”
