At least 20 people have died in a boat accident in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, while several others are still unaccounted for.
The incident happened on Tuesday around 4:30 p.m., according to Channels news reports.
An eyewitness, James Otoga, a farmer in the area, said the boat was carrying traders and residents traveling from Onugwa community to Ilushi market before it capsized in the River Niger.
“The boat was fully loaded with our people going to market for the October 1st celebration. Only five survivors have surfaced so far. Twenty bodies have been recovered, and more of our people remain trapped beneath the River Niger. Even those who came for a burial in Onugwa and were returning to Ilushi are missing. We are yet to confirm the actual number of people onboard and those who survived,” Otoga said.
The Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel, confirmed the incident and described it as the worst the council has ever faced.
“As I speak to you, no one can authoritatively state the actual number of casualties. We cannot even ascertain how many people were onboard when they departed. This is a very serious accident. The boat had not even reached Ilushi when it capsized around 4:30 p.m. Most of the victims were heading there for the October 1st celebration, which has long been a tradition in the community, before meeting their untimely deaths,” Emmanuel said.
The tragedy has thrown Ibaji and nearby communities into mourning. Families were seen crying at the riverbank, while local divers continued searching for missing persons late into the night.
Boat accidents have been frequent in Kogi, Niger, and other riverine states, with dozens of lives lost in the past year alone. Rescue efforts were still ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
