Five Dead, 30 Rescued as Boat Capsizes in River Niger

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Five persons have lost their lives in a boat mishap in River Niger in Anambra State, as they allegedly sailed through Kogi State to Anambra State through the River Niger.

A source in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area told THISDAY that the incident happened on yesterday morning.

A video made available to THISDAY by the source showed that the deceased comprised mainly of women and children.

Though the deceased persons have not been identified, they were said to hail from a riverine part of Kogi State, and were traveling by the river to Onitsha for various businesses.

The source said: “Early this (yesterday) morning, there was a boat that capsized at the River Niger. Some of the victim are from parts of Kogi State and Mmiata Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area, according to the eye witnesses.”

Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the incident, saying its operatives received a distress call and rushed the incident spot, and were able to rescue about 30 persons.

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, while reacting to enquiry from THISDAY, 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 recover the five lifeless bodies in the depths of the river and the capsised 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.”