From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
Tragedy struck in the early hours of yesterday as no fewer than five people lost their lives, while 30 others were rescued in a boat mishap in River Nigeria, Anambra State.
The victims allegedly sailed via Kogi State to Anambra through the River Niger, where they met their deaths while on a business trip to the commercial city of Onistha.
It was further gathered that the victims comprised mainly women and children which made their rescue harder.
Though the deceased could not be identified at press time, they were said to have come from a riverine part of Kogi State, and were traveling to Onitsha, Anambra State, for various businesses.
“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.
However, the Anambra State Police Command said its operatives received a distress call and rushed to the spot, and were able to rescue about 30 people alive. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, assured that the situation 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 investigation is ongoing,” Ikenga said.