The National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) has said that a total of 49 persons have been rescued and three dead bodies recovered so far from the boat accident which occurred along River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
In addition to the rescued passengers, one person survived by swimming to shore, while 23 remain unaccounted for.
The accident which involved 76 passengers in the boat, as the driver, unaware of a submerged tree in the river accidentally navigated into it, causing the boat to tip off and capsize.
The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday 15th December around 7:00PM. The passengers were said to be returning home from the Ocholonya Market, a major economic hub that draws traders from several communities in Agatu and neighboring states, including Nasarawa State.
Most of the boat passengers were from Odenyi Magaji and other communities of Nasarawa State.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is working with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders including the local authorities and divers to expedite the ongoing search and rescue operations to trace the remaining missing passengers.
NEMA has also reached out to the Nigerian Navy for additional support and collaboration on search and rescue efforts.
