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By Madu Obi
Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have visited the bereaved families of the boat mishap at Mmiata Anam in Anambra West local government area.
Five persons died in the mishap while 30 others were rescued when the boat they were sailing in capsized in the River Niger.
The victims, mainly women and children, were sailing to Onitsha from Kogi State for business transactions.
Some of the victim were from Kogi State, while others were from Mmiata Anam in Anambra West local government area.
The NEMA and SEMA delegations were at Mmiata Anam to have a firsthand insight into the tragic incident, with a view to ascertaining what transpired. They were also expected to identify the immediate needs of those affected.
The South East Zonal Director of NEMA, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazuo expressed hope that concerns shown by government at federal, state and local levels would go a long way in giving the bereaved families the needed courage to put the incident behind and move on with life.
Echeazuo, who spoke through Mr. Nnanyelugo Ezeani said the visit was to ascertain the extent of loss suffered, and observed that one family in Mmiata Anam was affected.
She said that stakeholders meeting would be convened to discuss concerns raised and find solutions, including ensuring enforcement of wearing of life-saving jacket while traveling through the water.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo, said that government would be properly briefed based on information gathered, for possible assistance, just as proper investigations would continue to help in forestalling future occurrence.
The father of the deceased persons, Mr. Sunday Nnalue, who narrated how he lost his two sons Isreal, aged 12; and Onyeka, aged 10; and his wife Gloria, said he was fortunate to survive the incident.
He, thanked the state government for the concerns shown to his family at the difficult moment.
He, however, called for urgent attention to the waterways; just as it is done to the road, as well as provision of healthcare services in the riverine areas.
During the visit, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West, Mr. Felix Ikechi presented financial assistance to the family to help cover the expenses incurred.
He also assured that the state government would take appropriate measures to prevent such tragedies in future.
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