The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, says 49 persons have so far been rescued and three dead bodies recovered from the boat accident that occurred along River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
NEMA in a statement said the accident involved 76 passengers in the boat, as the driver, unaware of a submerged tree in the river accidental navigated into it, causing the boat to tip off and capsized.
It said beside the rescued passengers, one of the victims managed to swim to safety while 23 persons are still missing. Most of the boat passengers were from Odenyi Magaji and other communities of Nasarawa State.
The National Emergency Management Agency said it is working with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders including the local authorities and divers to expedite action on the ongoing search and rescue operations to trace the remaining missing passengers.
The unfortunate incident which took place at the weekend involved passengers returning home from the Ocholonya Market, in Agatu Benue State
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
