BLACK SUNDAY: Five Die, Others Rescued In River Niger Boat Mishap

Tragedy struck Sunday, January 7, in Anambra state when a boat capsized at the River Niger, killing no fewer than five persons, while many others were rescued

The boat, The Nation gathered, left Kogi through the river Niger heading to Onitsha, Anambra state.

A video made available to The Nation by Anambra West local government area indigene showed that the victims were two women and three young boys.

However, the identities of the victims were still not known at the time of filing this report.

According to the source, “Early this morning, (Sunday), there was a boat that capsized on River Niger.

“Some of the victims are from parts of Kogi state and Mmiata Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area.”

The state police public relations, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.

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

He maintained that the situation was under control.

Ikenga 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 recovered 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.”
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