by Isi Esene

Nine people died on Sunday in a canoe accident which took place at Imude in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area. The commissioner for rural development, Cornelius Ojelabi, disclosed this yesterday adding that two people were rescued in the mishap.

According to Ojelabi: “There were 11 people in the canoe, which capsized on Sunday.

“Two people were rescued and are responding to treatment. The other nine persons in the canoe drowned. Their bodies had been recovered completely and were buried yesterday (Monday).”

He reportedly explained the cause of the accident saying that the canoe had been affected by the pressure of a speedboat which passed it on the waterway.

He said, “It was the pressure from speed boat that caused the canoe to capsize and not any natural disaster,” Ojelabi said.

The commissioner added that the state government would investigate the incident further to prevent a recurrence.