A devastating boat accident in the River Niger near Mmiata Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State has claimed the lives of eight individuals, with 38 others successfully rescued. The ill-fated boat was en route from Kogi State to Anambra through the River Niger when it capsized at the Mmiata banks of the river.
The General Manager of Corporate Affairs at The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jibril Darda’u, confirmed the incident on Sunday via a statement. According to Darda’u, the mishap occurred when the wooden engine boat collided with a snag on the water channel, leading to its capsizing.
“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,” stated Darda’u.
The tragic incident involved a passenger boat traveling from Idah in Kogi state to Onitsha in Anambra state. Upon receiving the distressing report, relevant personnel from the marine department were promptly deployed for rescue, recovery, and a thorough investigation.
Darda’u reassured the public of NIWA’s commitment to ensuring safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods. Ongoing recovery efforts are being undertaken, and the Authority pledges to provide detailed information to the public as soon as the field officers report back to headquarters.
