Eight persons have been confirmed dead and 38 others rescued in a boat accident that occurred in River Niger around Mmiata Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the boat was sailing from Kogi State to Anambra through the River Niger before it got capsized at the Mmiata banks of the river.
While confirming the incident on Sunday via a statement, GM Corporate Affairs of The National Inland Waterways Authority, Jibril Darda’u revealed the mishap occurred because the wooden engine rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized.
“Preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with about 50 passengers on board. From the records, 8 persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued immediately.”
Darda’u said the incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state.
He also revealed that “Upon the receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from the marine department were deployed for rescue, recovery, and proper investigation.”
“The recovery efforts are ongoing and the Authority will provide detailed information to the public as soon as the field officers report back to the headquarters.”
He also reassured the general public of NIWA’s commitment to ensuring safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods.
