Authorities of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday says it has rescued no fewer than 49 passengers from the boat which occured along River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue.
The Agency confirmed this via a statement made available to Humanitarian Correspondents in Abuja, also unveiled plans to collaborate with Nigerian Navy with a view to provide more support for the search and rescue.
The statement reads: “A total of 49 persons have been rescued and three dead bodies recovered so far from the boat accident that occurred along River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
“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.
“The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday 15th December around 7:00 PM. 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.
“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 (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 established contacts with the Nigerian Navy to provide more support for the search and rescue.”
