The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 24 passengers were rescued from the tragic boat mishap that occurred on the River Niger in Kogi State, while 42 others remain missing.
Naijaonpoint understands that the accident happened on Tuesday evening when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized on its way from Onugwa community in Ibaji Local Government Area to Olushi village.
In its latest update issued on Thursday, NEMA described the incident as unfortunate, noting that it has claimed several lives and left dozens unaccounted for.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, activated the Abuja Operations Office to support the rescue efforts.
So far, 14 bodies have been recovered, while official search and rescue teams continue to comb the area for survivors.
Community divers are also working alongside responders from NEMA, the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Red Cross, Civil Defence, and the Fire Service.
NEMA said: “Periodic updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
The Head of Abuja Operations Office, Zakari Abubakar, also visited the Onugwa traditional ruler to commiserate with the community over the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government on Wednesday confirmed that at least 26 people had died in the mishap.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as a heartbreaking loss and conveyed Governor Usman Ododo’s condolences to the families affected.
“The Government of Kogi State stands with the people of Ibaji LGA in this moment of grief,” the statement read.
Ododo directed state agencies to provide immediate support to victims’ families while also urging stricter safety measures on the waterways.
Both the state government and NEMA emphasised the need for compliance with safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
They appealed to riverine communities to avoid overloading boats and to make use of life jackets at all times.
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