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BY SUNNY A. DAVID, AWKA
The death toll of the River Niger boat mishap in Onitsha Anambra State has increased to seven.
It was five persons confirmed dead on the spot on Sunday but later today two persons among others rescue 30 persons could not make it again, says our source.
A source in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area, told our correspondent that the incident happened on Sunday morning.
A video made available to our correspondent by the source 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 further 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, Anambra State Police Command have confirmed the incident, saying that its operatives received a distress call and rushed the the incident spot, and were able to rescue about 30 persons.
The Police Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga while reacting to enquiry from our correspondent 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 stated.
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