40 Feared Drowned In Boat Mishap

Rescuers are battling to save over 40 people in a passenger boat moving from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, RSUST, Mile Three Axis of Port Harcourt to Mgbu-Odohia town in Rumuolumeni in Obio Akpor Local Government Area who reportedly drowned when their boat capsized around 9p.m. yesterday.

A witness told P.M.NEWS this morning that following the sudden increase in transport fares in Port Harcourt, traffic and bad roads linking the axis, commuters have resorted to the use of passenger boats without safety jackets and good lighting system, to get to their destinations.

Mr. Chima Amadi, the Chairman of Community Development Committee, CDC, Rumuolumeni, who confirmed the incident, lamented the neglect of the residents of Mgbuodohia, Nkpor and Rumuolumeni by the state government despite voting massively for the ruling party in the state.

He called on the state government to send rescuers to the Mgbuodohia waterfront to assist local divers rescue the passengers.

As at the time of filing this report, only four passengers have been rescued. Two dead bodies have also been recovered.

— Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt