Five persons in the early hours of Sunday lost their lives in a boat accident in Anambra State, while 30 others were rescued.
The victims had allegedly sailed from Kogi State to Anambra through the River Niger where they met their untimely deaths.
A source in the riverine area of Anambra West Local Government Area said that the incident happened on Sunday morning.
A video made available to our correspondent showed that the victims comprised mainly women and children.
Though the deceased had yet to be identified as of press time, they were said to hail from a riverine part of Kogi State, and were travelling to Onitsha for business activities.
“Early this morning, a boat that capsized on River Niger. Some of the victims are from parts of Kogi State and Mmiata Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area, according to the eye witnesses,” a source said.
Police authorities in Anambra State confirmed the incident, saying that operatives rushed to the scene of the incident after receiving a distress call, adding that 30 persons were rescued.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, 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 bodies as well as 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.”
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