The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 persons from River Benue following Saturday night’s boat mishap that claimed 20 lives in Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.
Recall that a wooden canoe conveying traders across River Benue to Odenyi in Nasarawa state capsized midway into the journey after accidentally crashing into a tree.
The victims of the tragedy were reported to have departed the shores of Agatu LGA at about 8pm after trading at Ocholonya market.
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According to a sources, the canoe conveying the victims was overloaded and because they were in a hurry to go back home since it was getting late all pleas for some of the passengers to disembark was ignored.
Confirming the tragic incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said 20 corpses had been recovered from the river.
Anene who also confirmed that rescue operation was still ongoing said, “11 persons were rescued alive while 20 corpses were recovered.”