The Anambra State Police command has said 30 persons were rescued alive while five bodies were recovered after a boat accident which occurred on Saturday evening in River Niger, Onitsha.

It was gathered that many persons, including women and children, were onboard the yet-to-be identified boat when it capsized, leading to the death of some of its passengers.

DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command spokesperson, while confirming the incident said the situation is now under control, collaborating what can be seen in a viral video where passers-by were seen rescuing victims out of the river near the river Niger bank.

The command spokesperson also revealed that most of the passengers were coming from Kogi State, adding that the cause of the accident has not been ascertained.

Ikenga said: “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 recovered the five lifeless bodies in the depths of the sea and the capsized boat.

“Preliminary information revealed that the boat was from Kogi State, conveying goods and passengers before the unfortunate incident occurred.

“Meanwhile, the cause is yet to be ascertained as the investigation is ongoing, please.”