A yet-to-be-ascertained number of people have been feared dead after their boat capsized on the River Niger water around the Onitsha banks in Anambra State.

It was gathered that the victims of the incident which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 7, 2024, included women and children.

It was further learnt that the passengers of the boat were coming from Kogi State.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police have recovered five lifeless bodies.

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The police spokesman 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 recovered the five lifeless bodies in the depths of the sea and the capsized boat.

“Preliminary information revealed that the boat was from Kogi State and conveying goods and passengers before the unfortunate incident occurred.

“Meanwhile, the cause is yet to be ascertained as the investigation is ongoing.”

The Star