Benue, North Central Nigeria— Benue citizens in mourning as yet-to-be-identified numbers of traders lost their lives at a tragic boat capsize on River Benue near Ocholonya in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Daily Episode gathered that the victims, mostly aged women, men, and children, lost their lives while returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a weekly market in Ocholonya village on Saturday.
While briefing newsmen, Mr. Melvin James, chairman of the Agatu Local Government Area of the State, revealed that the victims were traders from the Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma, Nasarawa State.
“I have been informed about the accident, and reports indicate that over 20 people might have died, although local divers have recovered some bodies, but I am waiting for a formal update to confirm the exact number,” James said.
A more formal update to confirm the incidents and number of both survivors and lives lost will be made public after the successful rescue mission”.
However, we are making an effort to coordinate with both the Nasarawa State government and the Nigerian navy so as toconsole the affected families and ensure a smooth rescue mission. Mr. James added.
Efforts to reach the Benue state police public relations officer, Catherine Anene, end in vain as the authorities are yet to issue public statements regarding the incident at the time of this report.
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