Not fewer than 20 people, mostly women and children were feared dead following a boat accident on the River Benue near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were reportedly returning to Doma, Nasarawa State, after attending a market in Ocholonya village on Saturday when their wooden boat capsized.
Adanyi, a resident of Ocholonya, told newsmen in Makurdi that the boat was carrying traders, mostly women and children, from Odenyi in Nasarawa State when the tragedy occurred.
Agatu Local Government Chairman, Melvin James, confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying that over 20 people may have perished.
He stated that local divers had recovered several bodies, but he was awaiting a formal update on the exact death toll.

James added that the Nigerian Navy had been contacted to assist with the ongoing rescue operation, and efforts were underway to coordinate with Nasarawa State officials to support the grieving families.