Not fewer than 20 people have reportedly died after a boat capsized in the River Benue on Saturday.

It tumbled as they were crossing from Ocholonya in Agatu LGA to Odenyi in Nasarawa Toto LGA of Nasarawa State after their activities at Ocholonya market.

An eyewitness, Fada Awatsu saịd, “the wooden boat was loaded with goods and passengers from Ocholonya market.

“It was overloaded and shortly after takeoff there was uproar by passengers in the boat and it eventually tumbled and lowered into the water.”

They were from Agatu, Agbashi, Ajima, Okpata, Rukubi, Ondoli, Odadu in Doma LGA.

Sources said the victims were mostly women and children who were returning home from the market.

So far, 19 corpses have been recovered from the accident, while rescue efforts is ongoing to salvage others.

When contacted, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon.Melvin Ejeh confirmed the unfortunate incident.

He said, “the victims were returning from Ocholonya market to their village in nearby Nasarawa state.

“The view of the sailor was obstructed by shrubs in the river and when the canoe hit the trees, it crashed and capsized ”

Hon Ejeh said over 20 bodies have been recovered and rescue operations is still ongoing.

He said he will send officials of the council to commiserate with the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile repeated phone calls to the Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, SP, Catherine Anene to confirm the incident was not answered.