21 people feared dead as boat capsizes

A boat carrying passengers have capsized on Sunday afternoon, killing not less than 21 persons.

According to an eyewitness report, the incident happened on River Benue at Kwagh opposite Agbor village within Makurdi local government area of the state.

The eye witness said that the boat had about 28 passengers on board who were travelling to a village for an annual convention.

The eye witness disclosed that all were Christians, adding that they were no survivors, as all were feared dead.

Confirming the incident, Benue State Police Command said that twenty members of a Church were involved in the boat accident.

According to the statement issued by the Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, a deputy superintendent of police said, “On the 5th of July, 2020 at about 2: 30pm, information was received that twenty-three (23) members of ECAN Church Ijaha, Makurdi Local Government boarded a Boat to attend a conference across River Benue.

“At the midstream, the boat sank into the river. Marine Police search party were deployed to the scene where two persons were rescued alive while 21 persons are still missing”.