Five persons have lost their lives in a boat mishap in Anambra State, as they allegedly sailed through Kogi State to Anambra, through the River Niger.
A source in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area, said the incident happened on Sunday morning.
A video made available to this platform 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 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.”
Meanwhile, police authorities in Anambra State have confirmed the incident, saying that its operatives received a distress call and rushed to the incident spot, and were able to rescue about 30 persons.
Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga while reacting to enquiry from newsmen 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 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.