The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says about eight people have died while 38 others were rescued in a boat mishap in Anambra State.

This is, however, contrary to the report by the Anambra State Police Command, which said five people died and 30 were rescued.

The NIWA Spokesperson in Kogi State, Jibril Darda’u, said preliminary reports indicated the “wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with 50 passengers on board.

The victims, who were said to include mainly women and children, were travelling from the riverine parts of Kogi State to Onitsha in Anambra State with their goods.