A boat accident on River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area has left 49 passengers rescued, three confirmed dead, and 23 still missing as of Monday.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, December 15, at approximately 7:00 PM, involved 76 passengers returning from Ocholonya Market, a bustling economic hub serving communities in Agatu and neighboring Nasarawa State. The boat capsized after striking a submerged tree, which the driver reportedly failed to notice.
Among the passengers, one individual managed to swim to safety while local authorities and volunteers worked to save others. Most of the victims were identified as residents of Odenyi Magaji and surrounding communities in Nasarawa State.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, local authorities, and divers, has intensified search and rescue efforts. Additional support from the Nigerian Navy has been requested to aid in locating the missing passengers.
NEMA has called for heightened safety measures for waterway transport, particularly during the busy market season, to prevent future tragedies.
