NEMA rescues 49 survivors from Benue boat crash

The National Emergency Management Agency, on Monday, said a total of 49 persons had 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.

A statement by the agency noted that the accident involved 76 passengers in the boat, as the driver, unaware of a submerged tree in the river, accidentally navigated into it, causing it to tip off and capsize.

“The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday, December 15, 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 neighbouring states, including Nasarawa State.

“Besides 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,” it stated.

The agency emphasised that it was 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 for the remaining missing passengers.

“NEMA has also established contacts with the Nigerian Navy to provide more support for the search and rescue,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has commiserated with the people and government of Benue State on the death of 20 people in the weekend’s boat accident.

The NGF also commended the emergency responders for rescuing 11 of the travellers.

In a statement personally signed by its chairman, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, on Monday, it commiserated with the Benue State governor on the sad incident.

The statement partly read, “We send our commiserations to His Excellency, Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and the people of the state on the sad incident. We beseech God Almighty to repose the souls of those who died in the incident.”