Unconfirmed number of persons commuting from Asaba, Delta State to Onitsha in  Anambra State, for business activities were feared dead following a boat mishap on the River Niger ,Tuesday September 15, 2026.

The unfortunate incident according to eyewitnesses occurred when some passengers, traders and a couple resorted to using boat to cross the river from Asaba side to the Onitsha side of the wide river following the closure of the First Niger Bridge by the Federal Ministry of Works two weeks ago.

The number of passengers aboard the boat at the time of the mishap could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report.

A couple simply identified as Mr and Mrs Victor, three other victims were said to be minors aged between 12 and 16 were among the unfortunate casualties.

A video clip currently circulating on social media after the incident showed what appeared to be bodies recovered and laid along the riverbank.

The victims resorted to alternative means of crossing the River Niger after the old Niger Bridge was closed by Minister of Works, Dave Umahi for major repair works.

The closure caused difficulties for commuters and traders travelling between Onitsha and Asaba while some reportedly trek across the pedestrian walkway of the nearly two-kilometre bridge to Onitsha. Others use commercial motorcycles.

Passengers travelling with goods, however, often remain with their vehicles and use alternative routes through the Second Niger Bridge before proceeding to Onitsha and continuing their journey.