Market Trip Ends in Disaster: 20 Dead in Benue Boat Mishap

A wooden boat carrying traders and children capsized on the River Benue, leaving at least 20 people dead. The accident occurred as the passengers were traveling from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State to Nasarawa State after attending the Ocholonya market.

Local sources confirmed that the boat, heavily laden with goods and passengers, included traders from Nasarawa’s Toto and Doma LGAs who had come to Agatu for the day’s market activities. Witnesses reported that despite warnings about the boat being overloaded, passengers insisted on boarding together for the journey back.

An eyewitness, Ameh, described the tragedy during a phone call. “Around 8 p.m., we heard cries and shouting from women that the boat had sunk before reaching the Nasarawa shore,” he said. According to Ameh, the wooden canoe collided with a submerged tree in the middle of the river, breaking apart and throwing passengers into the water. Many of the victims were women and children.

Local divers launched an immediate rescue operation, recovering more than 20 bodies by the time of reporting. However, several passengers remain unaccounted for.

Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, explaining that the sailor’s view may have been obstructed by shrubs in the river. “The canoe hit the trees, broke apart, and capsized,” he said. Rescue operations are ongoing as divers continue to search for the missing.