A heartbreaking boat accident on the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State has claimed at least 20 lives, with 11 survivors rescued. The tragic incident occurred late Saturday night when a wooden canoe carrying traders capsized during its journey to Odenyi in Nasarawa State.
What Happened?
The ill-fated journey began after the traders concluded their business at the bustling Ocholonya market in Agatu LGA. The canoe, overcrowded with passengers and goods, set off at about 8 pm. Tragically, midway across the river, the vessel collided with a submerged tree and overturned, plunging the passengers into the dark waters of the River Benue.
Reports suggest that despite warnings about overloading and the risks of traveling so late at night, passengers were eager to return home and ignored the dangers.
Police Confirmation and Rescue Efforts
The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed the tragic event. She revealed that 20 bodies had been recovered from the river as of Sunday morning. Rescue efforts, led by local divers and emergency responders, have so far saved 11 people.
“Rescue operations are still ongoing,” Anene stated, expressing hope of finding more survivors despite the slim chances as time passes.
Overloading: A Recurring Danger
This incident highlights the recurring issue of overloading and safety negligence in river transport. Wooden canoes, commonly used in rural areas, often lack safety measures such as life jackets. With no strict enforcement of maritime safety regulations, travelers and traders frequently overload these vessels, increasing the risk of accidents.
A Community in Mourning
The Agatu community is reeling from the loss, as many victims were locals engaged in small-scale trade to support their families. The tragedy has plunged the area into mourning, with families gathering along the riverbanks, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
One eyewitness lamented, “This could have been avoided. The passengers were warned about the risks, but they insisted on traveling that night.”
Calls for Action
The incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures on inland waterways. Community leaders and residents are urging authorities to provide better oversight, ensure availability of life-saving equipment, and conduct awareness campaigns on the dangers of overloading and nighttime travel.
Hope Amid Tragedy
While rescue teams continue to search the river, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations. As the community mourns its loss, it is hoped that authorities will take concrete steps to prevent future occurrences of such preventable tragedies.
