The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed more than 10 deaths, 24 passengers rescued, and at least 42 still missing after a boat capsized on the River Niger in Kogi State.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday evening, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers left Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA en route to Olushi village, before it sank mid-journey.
In a Thursday update, NEMA said search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams having already recovered 14 corpses.
According to the agency, the Director General, Zubaida Umar, activated the Abuja Operations Office to support rescue efforts. The operation involves community divers working alongside NEMA, KOSEMA, NIWA, the Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
NEMA assured that “periodic updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Meanwhile, Kogi State Government placed the death toll at 26 as of Wednesday. Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the accident as “a heartbreaking loss” and conveyed Governor Usman Ododo’s condolences to the victims’ families.
Governor Ododo also directed state agencies to provide support and stressed the need for improved waterway safety measures.
Both NEMA and the state government have urged riverine communities to avoid overloading boats and to use life jackets when travelling.
