In a tragic development, no fewer than 54 bodies have been recovered from the River Niger following a boat mishap involving approximately 200 traders in Kogi State.
The accident, which occurred on Friday night, has once again highlighted the persistent dangers of waterway transportation in Nigeria.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Head of Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency in Kogi State, Justin Uwazuruonye, disclosed that efforts by emergency agencies, including the Red Cross and the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, led to the recovery of the victims’ remains.
“The confirmed number of recovered bodies as of today (Saturday) is 54,” Uwazuruonye stated.
“Unfortunately, there was no passenger manifest for the boat, making it difficult to determine the exact number of people on board. It was also discovered that none of the passengers had life jackets, and the accident happened during a night journey.”
The traders, predominantly women and artisans, were reportedly en route to a market in Niger State when their overloaded boat capsized at the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the river.
The National Inland Waterways Authority, through its Head of Media, Suleman Makama, also confirmed the accident and lamented the recurring risks on the River Niger.
Reacting to the tragedy, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and pledged to strengthen efforts to improve waterway safety.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, the governor noted that most victims were petty traders pursuing legitimate livelihoods.
“The waterway linking Kogi and Niger State has become increasingly perilous due to frequent boat accidents,” Ododo said.
“This situation calls for immediate inter-agency collaboration to enforce safety protocols and prevent further loss of life.”
Governor Ododo further emphasized the need for equipping water vessels with essential safety measures such as life jackets and proper regulation of night journeys.
He also directed relevant agencies to intensify awareness campaigns among riverine communities.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, the governor assured that the state government would support injured survivors and work to prevent future tragedies.
