The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of six more bodies following the boat mishap on River Benue near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, disclosed this development on Monday. Earlier, on Sunday, she had reported the recovery of 20 corpses and the rescue of 11 people alive after the tragic incident that occurred on Saturday night.
Daily Trust reported that the victims were returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized.
Providing an update, Anene stated:
“As of 4 pm today, December 16, 2024, six individuals have been confirmed dead, while three others remain missing. Earlier, 11 people were rescued unhurt, and 10 others were initially found unconscious. Out of the unconscious victims, eight were successfully resuscitated and are currently responding to treatment. Sadly, two were confirmed dead and their bodies deposited at the mortuary.
“Four additional corpses were recovered today, bringing the total death toll to 26. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the three individuals still unaccounted for.”
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also provided details of the incident. In a statement by its spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel, the agency confirmed that the ill-fated boat carried 76 passengers at the time of the accident.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the missing individuals.