The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that 24 people have been rescued after a boat accident on the River Niger in Kogi State, while 42 others are still missing.
The boat, which had about 80 passengers on board, capsized on Tuesday evening. It was travelling from Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area to Olushi village when the tragedy happened.
NEMA said in an update on Thursday that the accident had already claimed several lives. According to the agency, search and rescue teams have so far recovered 14 bodies.
“The unfortunate mishap has claimed several lives and left dozens missing,” NEMA stated, adding that operations were still ongoing with support from community divers and other emergency responders.
Those involved in the rescue include officials from NEMA, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, has activated the Abuja Operations Office to support the mission, while the Head of the office, Zakari Abubakar, visited the traditional ruler of Onugwa to commiserate with the community.
On Wednesday, the Kogi State Government confirmed that at least 26 people had died in the incident.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the accident as “a heartbreaking loss” and conveyed the condolences of Governor Usman Ododo.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA in this moment of grief,” the statement read.
Governor Ododo also directed state agencies to support the families of victims and take steps to improve safety on the state’s waterways.
Both NEMA and the state government stressed the need for stricter safety measures, warning communities against overloading boats and urging passengers to always wear life jackets.
