The victims, comprising mostly women and children, were on a journey to Onitsha for business activities. Although their identities had not been established at the time of reporting, they were said to be from a riverine part of Kogi State.

According to eyewitnesses in the area, the boat accident happened on Sunday morning, and a distress call prompted the swift response of the Anambra State Police. The marine operatives managed to rescue 30 individuals from the capsized boat.

A video footage made available to our correspondent revealed the heartbreaking scenes of the aftermath. The tragic incident has left a community in grief as they grapple with the loss of lives.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating, "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 recover the five bodies as well as the capsized boat."

While the cause of the accident is yet to be determined, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances leading to the boat's capsizing. The victims, who set out with hopes for business activities in Onitsha, tragically met their untimely deaths in the waters of the River Niger. The entire community, especially those from Kogi State, mourns the loss of their fellow citizens in this unfortunate incident.