The Anambra Police Command has confirmed the death of five persons in a boat accident on River Niger on Sunday morning.

Two women and three boys died in the incident, while others were rescued.

The boat was heading to Onitsha in Anambra State from Kogi State before it capsized.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the Spokesman for the State Police Command, said the command received a distress call and its men rushed to the scene where they rescued about 30 persons.

“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,” Ikenga said.