Ovie Okpare

At least four persons travelling to attend the burial ceremony of the father of wanted ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, have reportedly drowned following a boat mishap on Friday.

Tompolo’s father, Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo, died on September 7, 2016, owing to alleged military brutality.

His burial rites  began on Friday at Kurutie, Warri South-West Council Area of Delta State.



Our correspondent gathered that one of the boats ferrying sympathisers to the venue of the ceremony capsized midway, leading to their deaths.

Sources told our correspondent that the accident happened because the boat was carrying more than its capacity.

About 25 persons were said to be on board the W-19 Yamaha Boat.

A community leader from Gbaramatu Kingdom confirmed the incident to our correspondent. He said three females and a man were feared dead while several other persons were rescued.

As of 2pm on Saturday, a rescue team comprising the police and special divers were still searching for the missing persons.

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the development when contacted on Saturday.

Although she could not confirm the number of deaths recorded, Kalu disclosed that about 11 persons had so far been rescued by the Marine Police in Warri, noting that the search was still on.

Kalu said, “Be informed that a W-19 Boat mounted with 11HP Yamaha engine capsized at the Warri River. Our patrol team rescued 11 people.  The investigation is ongoing.  There was no manifest to know the number of passengers in the boat. The number of deaths is not yet certain but their bodies will float by tomorrow (Sunday).”

The burial rites will end today (Sunday) with the interment of the 84-year-old Chief Ekpemupolo at Okerenkoko.

http://punchng.com/four-die-boat-mishap-tompolo-fathers-burial/

they don't deserve death..... rip

Rip

Eyyah rip

Pictures