No fewer than 26 persons have been confirmed dead after a boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a fully loaded boat conveying passengers from Onugwa community to Ilushi market in neighbouring Edo State capsized on the River Niger.
An eyewitness, James Otoga, a farmer in the area, said the boat was carrying traders heading to the October 1 celebrations when it overturned. He added that only five passengers survived, while several others remain missing.
“The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market. So far, 26 bodies have been recovered, and many more are still beneath the water. Some visitors who came for a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi are also missing,” Otoga said.
Chairman of Ibaji Local Government, Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel, described the tragedy as the worst in the council’s history. He noted that the exact number of passengers on board could not be confirmed.
“This is a very serious accident. Most of the victims were heading to Ilushi for the October 1 celebration, which is a tradition here, before their untimely death,” Emmanuel stated.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has commiserated with families of the victims. In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities in providing immediate support to those affected.
“The Governor has assured that the state will intensify efforts in collaboration with federal agencies to improve safety measures on waterways. He also urged riverine communities to avoid overloading and to use life jackets during water transportation,” the statement read.
Fanwo described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss” and reiterated the government’s commitment to stand with the people of Ibaji during the period of grief.
