6 more people confirmed dead in Benue boat accident

Six more people have been confirmed dead in a boat accident that occurred in River Benue.

The police in the state said the incident happened near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of the state of Benue state.

According to the spokesperson for the Benue State command, Catherine Anene, 11 people have since been rescued whole 20 corpses have been recovered since the incident occurred on Saturday night.

Anene also said that six more people were found dead with rescue operations still ongoing.

"As of 4pm today, December 16, 2024, six individuals have been confirmed dead, while three others remain missing.

"Earlier, 11 people were rescued unhurt, while 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," Anene said on Monday.

She added that a search and rescue operation was ongoing to locate three more people who were unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, Eziekiel Manzo, the spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency said there were 76 passengers in the boat.