In a devastating incident on a Sunday morning, a boat traveling from Kogi State to Anambra capsized in the River Niger near Mmiata Anam, Anambra State. The boat, carrying mainly women and children from a riverine area of Kogi, was en route to Onitsha for various businesses when the tragedy occurred.
Rescue operations were swift, with video footage capturing the efforts of rescue operators recovering lifeless bodies from the river. While over 30 passengers were successfully rescued, the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of five individuals, the majority of whom were women and children.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the distressing event, stating that marine operatives responded promptly to the situation. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway.
The lack of a reliable transportation system was highlighted by Senator Tony Nwoye, who represents Anambra North Senatorial Zone. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Senator Nwoye pledged to provide speed boats for riverine communities in his constituency.
As authorities work on identifying the victims and investigating the circumstances leading to the boat’s tragic capsize, the incident emphasizes the critical need for ensuring safety in water transportation and the importance of bolstering infrastructure to avert such calamities in the future.