Police recover 14 bodies from Benue River boat mishap

The Benue State Police Command said it had recovered 14 bodies from the Benue River boat mishap, which occurred on Sunday.

The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Catherine Anene, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Makurdi.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ill-fated boat had on board 23 members of Evangelical Church Winning All in Adeke community, Makurdi, when the incident happened.

Only two of the victims of the boat mishap were rescued.

Anene said 14 dead bodies were recovered, while other victims were still missing.

She said: “The tragic incident of 5/7/2020 kept the command searching and hoping that victims of the boat mishap would be rescued alive.

“Regrettably, a total of 14 corpses: 8 females and 6 males, were recovered from the river while other victims still missing.”

The Command commiserated with families of the deceased and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

It said: “Members of the public are advised to employ all protective measures and caution while sailing, as turbulent flow of water during the rainy season can create unforeseen circumstances.

“The CP, while sympathising with the bereaved, commended the frantic efforts made by sailors and communities around the river bank during the rescue operation.

“He urged them to educate their wards about the dangers of using water ways during this period.”