The Police in Makurdi has confirmed that 11 persons have been rescued in the Saturday River Benue boat mishap. Rescue operation is still ongoing, says a statement from the Benue State Police Command.
An incidence of boat mishap was reported on River Benue at Ocholonya crossing point, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State in the course of ferrying passengers to Odenyi, Nasarawa Toto LGA, Nasarawa State after close of activities at Ocholonya market, last Saturday.
While the Police have confirmed only 10 deaths, some sections of the media have reported 20 deaths. The New Times could not independently verify the number of deaths.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Sewuese Anene, in confirming the incidence, says, “the incident of boat mishap at Agatu is confirmed and rescue operation is ongoing.”
“11 persons were rescued alive while 10 corpses have been recovered. The rescue operation is ongoing.”
Daily Post earlier reported that the passengers onboard the ill-fated boat were from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, and Odadu in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State.
