By PETER OJOMA, Lokoja –
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has confirmed the death of eight persons while 38 others were rescued in a boat mishap that occurred in Anambra State.
The NIWA General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Jibril Darda’u, who confirmed the mishap in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja, said the “sad and unfortunate” incident happened at Umumu Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, ”between Thursday and Friday”.
“The authority sincerely commiserates with the families and friends of the deceased and prayed to God to grant rest to their souls,” he said.
He said that preliminary reports indicated that the “wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with at least 50 passengers on board.
“From the records, eight persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while 38 others were rescued immediately.
“The sad incident involved a passenger boat travelling from Idah in Kogi to Onitsha in Anambra.
“Upon the receipt of the sad report, relevant personnel from the Marine Department were deployed for rescue, recovery and proper investigation.
“The recovery efforts are ongoing and the authority will provide detailed information to the public as soon as the field officers report back to the headquarters,” Darda’u said.
He, however, assured the public of NIWA’s commitment and determination to do everything possible to ensure safer inland waterways for the movement of people and goods.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply