Ebonyi River Accident: 14 bodies recovered, others missing

No fewer than 14 bodies have been recovered from the Akaeze-Ukwu River in Ebonyi State after a bus carrying over 30 passengers plunged into the water.

This is after five passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital on Friday.

Onyebuchi Ogbadu, Chairman of the local government who confirmed the development said one of the five passengers rescued on Friday died at the hospital.

Ogbadu stressed that “We are still looking for about 13 or more persons.”

Spokesperson for the state Police Command, Loveth Odah, also gave update on rescue efforts. According to her, seven of the bodies recovered are male while seven are female

She also revealed that among the five victims rescued is the driver of the bus identified as Nwaonu Chinedu.

Odah said among those in the vehicle who are still being searched for is a retired superintendent of police, Livinus Mbah.

“The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State visited the scene of the incident together with the Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State who described the incident as a very unfortunate one.

“He urges road users to avoid speed/reckless driving especially in this ember months”, she added.