Tragedy struck on Tuesday evening as a passenger boat capsized on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, leaving many feared dead and several others missing.
The ill-fated vessel, reportedly overloaded with passengers, had departed Onugwa community in Ibaji and was en route to Ilushi market in Edo State when it capsized midway.
According to preliminary reports, no fewer than 26 passengers may have lost their lives in the disaster. The figure was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed that rescue operations were still ongoing.
Governor Usman Ododo, in a condolence message to the people of Ibaji, described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work closely with local authorities to provide immediate support and relief to bereaved families.
The governor also appealed to residents of riverine communities to prioritize safety by avoiding boat overloading and using life jackets during water travel. He further assured that the state government, in collaboration with federal agencies, would intensify efforts to improve safety measures on waterways to prevent future tragedies.
The accident adds to a growing list of boat mishaps in Kogi and neighboring riverine states in recent years, which have claimed dozens of lives and raised concerns about safety standards on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
