Five Confirmed Dead As Boat Capsizes In River Niger

Five persons have reportedly died and 30 others were rescued in a boat mishap on the River Niger.

According to a further report, the victims, mainly women and children, were believed to be sailing to Onitsha, Anambra State from Kogi State for business transactions when the incident happened.

An eyewitness said: “Early this morning (Sunday), 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 government area.”

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police command through its Public Relations Officer, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, said police operatives after receiving a distress call rushed to the scene of the incident and were able to rescue about 30 persons.

Ikenga said: “We were able to rescue more than 30 of the passengers and recovered five lifeless bodies in the depths of the river and the capsized boat.

“Preliminary information revealed that the boat was travelling from Kogi and was conveying goods and passengers before the unfortunate incident.

“The cause of the mishap is yet to be ascertained as the investigation is ongoing.”