Education

Agatu boat mishap: Six more bodies recovered as total death toll rises to 26

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of six more bodies following the boat mishap on River Benue near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, disclosed this development on Monday. Earlier, on Sunday, she had reported the recovery of 20 corpses and the rescue of 11 people alive after the tragic incident that occurred on Saturday night.

Daily Trust reported that the victims were returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized.

Providing an update, Anene stated:
“As of 4 pm today, December 16, 2024, six individuals have been confirmed dead, while three others remain missing. Earlier, 11 people were rescued unhurt, and 10 others were initially 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.

“Four additional corpses were recovered today, bringing the total death toll to 26. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the three individuals still unaccounted for.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also provided details of the incident. In a statement by its spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel, the agency confirmed that the ill-fated boat carried 76 passengers at the time of the accident.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the missing individuals.

Agbenu James

Recent Posts

IBB names David Mark, Chris Garuba, Fidelis Ochefu among brightest military men that shaped Nigeria

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has named David Mark, Chris Abutu Garuba,…

12 hours ago

IBB/MKO Abiola: Admit true winners of past elections – Peter Obi to Nigerian leaders

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has…

14 hours ago

Nigerian court orders final forfeiture of $4.7m, N830m, others Linked to former CBN Gov Emefiele

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830…

14 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps panel rejects proposals for creation of Apa State, 30 others

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has rejected all 31 proposals for state…

14 hours ago

Jenni Hermoso to appeal Luis Rubiales World Cup kiss verdict

Jenni Hermoso will appeal the verdict in the case against former Spanish football chief Luis…

15 hours ago

Feyenoord appoint Robin van Persie as new head coach

Former Netherlands international and Feyenoord legend Robin van Persie has reportedly been appointed as the…

15 hours ago