The Benue State Police Command has confirmed six additional deaths from the recent boat mishap that occurred on the River Benue near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, provided updates on the incident. She had earlier announced that 20 bodies were recovered, and 11 passengers were rescued alive.
The victims were reportedly traveling back to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized.
On Monday, Anene revealed that six more bodies had been recovered. “As of 4pm today, December 16, 2024, six individuals have been confirmed dead, while three others remain missing,” she stated.
Anene further explained that earlier efforts led to the rescue of 11 people, while 10 others were found unconscious.
“Out of the unconscious victims, eight were successfully resuscitated and are currently responding to treatment. Sadly, two were confirmed dead and their bodies deposited at the mortuary.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through its spokesperson Manzo Ezekiel, disclosed that the ill-fated boat was carrying a total of 76 passengers.
