Two wood merchants, identified as Ahohe Seido and Dogbon, are missing after a torrential storm capsised the boat they were travelling on in the Gbòde Jedo River, located in Odofin, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
PUNCH Online learnt that the accident, which happened around 7:00 am on Thursday, prompted local divers from the community to assist in the search for the missing merchants.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed this to PUNCH Online on Thursday.
According to reports, the merchants, along with other travellers, were transporting firewood from their village to Benin Republic when a storm hit, causing their boat to capsize.
Reports indicate that while the other passengers were successfully rescued, Seido and Dogbon remained missing.
Odutola said, “A report of a tragic incident was filed at the Ipokia Division on September 12, 2024, around 7:00 a.m. Two individuals, Awhanse Jimoh (male) and Ahohe Jimoh (male), both wood merchants from Ilepa Village in Ipokia, reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer.
“As per their account, two other individuals, Ahohe Seido and another known only by the alias Dogbon, were transporting firewood along the Gbodo Jego River in Ijofin, Ipokia, Ogun State, en route to Benin Republic to sell the goods.
“While crossing the river, a sudden strong current caused their boat to capsize, throwing everyone onboard into the water. Despite rescue efforts, only two individuals were saved and brought to shore.
“Tragically, Ahohe Seido and Dogbon did not survive the incident, and despite extensive search efforts by divers, their bodies have yet to be recovered.”
Odutola noted that community divers are actively involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals.
“An investigation has been initiated to confirm the details of the boat accident and verify the statements given by the two survivors.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, is aware of the incident and hopes for the safe recovery of the missing persons. He has noted that with the return of the rains, it is advisable to wear life jackets to mitigate the risks associated with such hazards,” she added.
