Early yesterday morning, a boat accident in River Nigeria, Anambra State, resulted in the tragic loss of at least five lives and the rescue of thirty individuals. It is purported that the victims, who were travelling to the commercial city of Onitsha for business, died while sailing from Kogi State to Anambra via the River Niger.
It was discovered that women and children made up the majority of the victims, which complicated their rescue.
Even though the deceased’s identity was unknown at the time of publication, they were rumoured to have been on a business trip to Onitsha, Anambra State, from a riverine area of Kogi State.
“Early this morning, there was a boat that capsised at River Niger. Some of the victims are from parts of Kogi State and Mmiata Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area,” a witness said.
The Anambra State Police Command, however, reported that after its agents responded quickly to a distress call, they were able to save roughly thirty persons who were still alive. Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), gave the assurance that everything was 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 sea 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,” Ikenga said.
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