BENUE BOAT MISHAP : Ortom Urges  Community To Allow Marine Police, Divers Source For Missing Persons

Benue state Governor,  Samuel Ortom has deeply sympathized with families of the 23 victims whose boat capsized while crossing River Benue.

Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary to the governor  who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, the Governor describes the incident as painful and unfortunate, particularly consoles ECAN Church, Ijaha, Makurdi Local Government Area which members were involved in the boat mishap.

He said marine police personnel were immediately deployed to the area, assisted by local divers in rescuing the victims.

The Governor urged members of Kwaghter community where the incident took place to cooperate with the police rescue team to enable it find the missing persons.

He reminded Benue people about this year’s weather predictions on torrential rains and advises that those who travel by water should employ all safety measures to avoid unforeseen incidents.

Governor Ortom enjoins Benue people to always observe COVID-19 prevention measures by staying away from crowded places to curb the spread of the disease.

No fewer than 21 persons were feared dead when a boat on which they were travelling capsized on River Benue on Sunday afternoon.

It was gathered that the boat had 23 passengers on board when the incident happened.

“The persons were all Christian faithful who were going on a journey for their annual convention when the boat on which they were travelling capsized.

“Immediately, we heard of the incident, we put a call to police who went in search of the drowned persons,” an eyewitness said.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident but said two persons were rescued alive.