20 killed as boat capsized in river Benue

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

At least, 20 people were reportedly killed when a boat they were traveling in capsized around River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area on Saturday.
It was learnt that the victims come to Ocholonya in Agatu LGA to trade.
A native of Ocholonya, who simply identified himself as Adanyi said over 20 people, mostly women and children were in the wooden boat when the incident happened.
According to him, “Yesterday (Saturday) was Ocholonya market, and this market is within Agatu LGA but the people who were mostly women and children were returning to their base in Odenyi in Nasarawa State when the boat they were traveling in capsized and all died.”
Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the phone on Sunday, said that the victims were from Nasarawa State.
He said, “It’s true that there was boat mishap yesterday, and the people came to Ocholonya market.
“What I learnt is that when they were returning to their base in Apochi and Odenyi communities in Doma in Nasarawa State the boat they were traveling in capsized.
“Am trying to get my colleague from Nasarawa State to see how we can go there to visit the families and console them.
He added, “The conflicting reports is that sources said 20 people have died but no recovery of the corpses to my knowledge.”