5 Passengers Perish, 30 Rescued in Niger River Boat Mishap

By Praise Chinecherem

Five persons Sunday morning lost their lives while about 30 were rescued in a boat mishap in Anambra State.

The deceased, reportedly sailed through the River Niger enroute Anambra from Kogi State.

A source in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area, told Anambra Daily that the deceased comprised mainly of women and children.

Though the deceased were yet to be been identified, they were said to hail from a riverine part of Kogi State, and were traveling by water to Onitsha for various businesses.

The source said: “Early this morning, there was a boat that capsized at 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.”

Anambra Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga has confirmed the incident, saying the situation is under control.

He said the command operatives received a distress call and rushed to the incident spot, and were able to rescue about 30 persons.

He said, “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 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,” the police command’s image maker said.