The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered a probe into a boat mishap on Sunday where eight people died and 38 others were rescued in Anambra State.
The boat accident occurred along the River Niger near Mmiata Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area. The ill-fated boat, en route from Kogi State to Anambra, capsized at the Mmiata banks of the river.
A local source informed our correspondent about the incident in the riverine area of the community. A video provided to the Press by the source depicted that the victims, predominantly women and children, met their untimely demise.
While the identities of the deceased remain unknown, they are reported to be from a riverine region of Kogi State, embarking on a water journey to Onitsha for various business purposes.
The source narrated, “Early this morning, there was a boat that capsized at the River Niger. Some of the victims are from parts of Kogi State and Mmiata Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area. Most of the victims were women and children. Rescue operators who arrived at the scene dived into the waters, recovering lifeless bodies deposited by the riverbank. Over 10 lifeless bodies were counted as rescue operations continued.”
Anambra State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that operatives responded swiftly to a distress call. He reported that 30 individuals were successfully rescued, while five had already lost their lives.
“The situation is under control. Our marine operatives, upon receiving the distress call, responded swiftly. We rescued over 30 passengers alive and recovered the five lifeless bodies from the depths of the sea and the capsized boat. The boat was from Kogi State, conveying goods and passengers before the unfortunate incident occurred. The cause is yet to be ascertained as the investigation is ongoing,” Ikenga stated.
The State Emergency Management Authority’s Public Relations Officer, Chinyere Nwoye, mentioned ongoing efforts to identify the victims. “We are making contact and have called the police. We heard that the victims were mostly from Kogi. But we plan to visit the area.”
Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial Zone, expressed sorrow over the boat crash. He attributed the mishap to the lack of a proper transportation system and pledged to provide speed boats for the riverine people in his constituency.