4 still missing in River Niger boat mishap As NIWA confirms 8 deaths, 38 survivors

By Madu Obi

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said that four people are still missing in the boat mishap that occurred in the River Niger in Anambra West local government area of Anambra State.

The agency also confirmed that eight passengers died in the boat mishap, while 38 persons were rescued. Altogether, there were 50 passengers on board the ill-fated boat.

It was earlier reported that five people died, while 30 passengers were rescued.

General Manager, Corporate Affairs of NIWA, Jibril Darda'u said preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with the passengers.

He explained that upon receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from NIWA's marine department were deployed for rescue, recovery and proper investigation.

The Authority commiserated with families of the deceased, assuring the public that it was doing everything possible to ensure safer Inland Waterways for the movement of people and goods across the country.