In a devastating turn of events early Sunday morning, a boat, laden with passengers and goods from Kogi State, capsized on the River Niger near Onitsha banks, Anambra.
The aftermath, captured in a harrowing video circulating on social media, reveals the heroic efforts of passers-by rescuing victims from the river’s clutches.
An undisclosed number of individuals, including women and children, are feared dead as the official casualty figures remain uncertain. Anambra State Police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, assuring that the situation is “under control.” He stated, “Our marine operatives responded swiftly, rescuing over 30 passengers alive. We recovered five lifeless bodies and the capsized boat from the depths of the sea.”
The boat, initially on a journey conveying goods and passengers, met a tragic fate, sparking questions about the cause of the catastrophe. Ikenga emphasized, “The cause is yet to be ascertained as the investigation is ongoing.”
As the community grapples with grief and the search for answers intensifies, the rescue efforts stand as a testament to swift action in the face of adversity.