Five persons lost their lives in a boat mishap in Anambra State on their way from Kogi State on the River Niger water.It was gathered that the incident happened early, yesterday, as passers-by were seen rescuing victims near the Onitsha banks. This was corroborated by a video of the incident currently trending on social media.
According to a source in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Council, victims were mainly women and children. Though the deceased have not been identified, they were said to hail from a riverine part of Kogi State and were travelling to Onitsha for various businesses.
The source said: “Early this morning, there was a boat that capsized at River Niger. Some of the victims are from parts of Kogi State and Mmiata Anam, in Anambra East Local Council, according to the eyewitnesses.”
Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the incident, saying that its operatives received a distress call and they were able to rescue about 30 people.
Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “The situation is under control.
“Our marine operatives, on getting the distress call about the incident, responded swiftly. We were able to rescue over 30 of the passengers alive and recovered five lifeless bodies in the depths of the sea and the capsized boat.
“Preliminary information revealed that the boat was from Kogi state, conveying goods and passengers before the unfortunate incident occurred.
“Meanwhile, the cause is yet to be ascertained, as the investigation is ongoing.”
