Tragedy Strikes as 5 Die in Anambra Boat Mishap

• A boat accident in Anambra claims five lives as 30 passengers are rescued; the victims were traveling from Kogi State
• Anambra State Police confirm the incident, stating swift rescue efforts saved over 30 passengers, while investigations into the cause continue

In the early hours of Sunday, a devastating boat accident claimed the lives of five individuals in Anambra State, while 30 others were fortunate to be rescued. The victims had reportedly embarked on a journey from Kogi State to Anambra, traversing the River Niger, where the tragic incident occurred.

Sources in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area revealed that the incident transpired on a Sunday morning. A video, made available to our correspondent depicted the victims, primarily consisting of women and children.

Although the identities of the deceased remained unknown at the time of reporting, they were said to be from a riverine part of Kogi State, travelling to Onitsha for business activities. The boat capsized on the River Niger, marking a harrowing start to the day for these unfortunate travellers.

A source shared, “Early this morning, a boat capsized on the River Niger. Some of the victims are from parts of Kogi State and Mmiata Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area, according to the eyewitnesses.”

Anambra State Police authorities confirmed the incident, stating that operatives promptly responded to a distress call. The rescue efforts managed to save over 30 passengers while recovering the bodies of the five victims along with the overturned boat.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), provided insights into the preliminary findings, stating, “The situation is under control. Our marine operatives, on receiving the distress call about the incident, responded swiftly. We were able to rescue over 30 of the passengers alive and recover the five bodies as well as the capsized boat.”

The boat, originating from Kogi State and carrying both goods and passengers, faced an unfortunate fate, and the cause of the incident remains unknown as investigations are ongoing. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with water travel, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future mishaps.