There were conflicting figures on Sunday on the casualty figure and numbers of those rescued from the scene of a boat accident that occurred at the Umunankwo community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday.
The Anambra State Government, through a statement by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, late on Saturday, indicated that more than 30 people have been rescued while six people, including two kids and two ladies, were confirmed dead.
However, former Transition Committee Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Arinze Awogu, gave the casualty figure as 13,
An indigene of the area identified as Eze Ogbugbulu, however, said 16 bodies had been recovered, including children.
The state government’s statement read, “The following are more facts emanating from the unfortunate boat mishap in Ogbaru. More than 30 people were rescued by expert swimmers.
“Six people, including two kids and two ladies, were confirmed dead. The incident occurred on Friday, October 7, 2022.
“About 40 passengers were said to have boarded the ill-fated boat. The engine of the boat was said to have failed three minutes into the journey and the surging waves hit the boat on a collapsed bridge and it subsequently capsized.”
In separate news, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority, South-East, Mr Thickman Tanimu, had told journalists on Saturday that 85 people were in the ill-fated boat.
“Out of the 85 persons, nine were found and the remaining 76 are nowhere to be found,” he had said.
Buhari mourns
Meanwhile, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Sunday, expressed sadness over the boat accident.
He also directed the relevant agencies to check the safety protocols on the vessels plying the waters to ensure their river worthiness.
This is according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘President Buhari expresses grief over Anambra boat accident.’
The statement read, “As more details are awaited, the President has directed all other rescue and relief agencies to rush to the site of the accident.
“He also directed the relevant agencies of government to check the safety protocols on these transport ferries to make sure such incidents are avoided in the future.
“President Buhari said he was saddened by the boat accident and directed that all possible efforts be made to account for all the passengers.”
