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File photo: A capsized boat
The National Emergency Management Agency on Monday said 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.
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 the boat to tip off and capsize.
“The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday, December 15th, 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 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,” it added.
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