Precious Nwonu, Enugu
An unspecified number of commuters are feared dead after a boat conveying passengers across the River Niger from Asaba, Delta State, to Onitsha, Anambra State, capsized on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The passengers were reportedly travelling to Onitsha for business and other activities when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, some commuters had turned to boat transportation as an alternative means of crossing the River Niger following the closure of the First Niger Bridge for repair works.
The number of passengers on board the ill-fated boat had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Among those reportedly involved were a couple identified as Mr and Mrs Victor, while three other victims were said to be minors aged between 12 and 16.
A video circulating on social media after the incident showed what appeared to be bodies recovered from the river and laid along the riverbank.
The circumstances surrounding the boat mishap were not immediately clear, while efforts to establish the number of people who died or survived were ongoing.
The incident occurred about two weeks after the old Niger Bridge was closed to traffic by the Federal Government for major rehabilitation works.
The closure has created difficulties for commuters and traders travelling between Asaba and Onitsha, with road users resorting to alternative means of transportation.
Some commuters have reportedly been trekking along the pedestrian walkway of the bridge to access Onitsha, while others have resorted to commercial motorcycles.
Passengers travelling with goods and vehicles have largely had to use longer alternative routes through the Second Niger Bridge before proceeding to Onitsha and other destinations.
The closure of the bridge has consequently increased pressure on alternative transportation routes between the two cities, particularly for traders and other regular commuters who depend on the Niger Bridge for their daily activities.
Authorities had yet to issue an official statement confirming the boat accident, the number of passengers involved or the casualties at the time of filing this report.