The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that more than 10 people have died, 24 rescued, and 42 remain missing following a boat accident in Kogi State.
According to NEMA, the tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized on the River Niger. The vessel, which had departed Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area en route to Olushi village, sank mid-journey.
“Several lives have been lost, and dozens are still unaccounted for,” the agency said in a Thursday update, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
NEMA disclosed that 14 corpses had so far been recovered. Rescue efforts are being coordinated with the support of community divers and other responders, including KOSEMA, NIWA, the Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, has activated the Abuja Operations Office to reinforce rescue operations, while the Head of Operations, Zakari Abubakar, visited the Onugwa traditional ruler to commiserate with the community.
On Wednesday, however, the Kogi State Government put the death toll at 26.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “a heartbreaking loss” and conveyed Governor Usman Ododo’s condolences to the victims’ families. The governor directed state agencies to provide immediate support to affected families and strengthen safety measures on waterways.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA in this moment of grief,” the statement said.
Both NEMA and the state government stressed the need for stricter compliance with safety protocols, urging riverine communities to avoid boat overloading and ensure the use of life jackets at all times.