The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) confirmed on Sunday that approximately eight individuals lost their lives, with 38 others successfully rescued in a boat accident in Anambra State.
Despite the Anambra State Police Command reporting five casualties and 30 rescues, NIWA’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Jibril Darda’u, verified eight fatalities in a statement released in Lokoja on Sunday. The unfortunate incident occurred at Umumu Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area, between Thursday and Friday.
Darda’u expressed deep condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and offered prayers for the repose of their souls. According to him, preliminary reports suggested that the wooden engine boat collided with an obstacle in the water channel, leading to its capsizing with 50 passengers on board.
He stated that eight individuals were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were promptly rescued. The tragic event involved a passenger boat traveling from Idah in Kogi to Onitsha in Anambra.